- I think we could all learn a lot about perseverance and dedication from children. I personally am quite astonished at the drive and determination of my child to perform dangerous activities or chaotic destruction of our home right under my nose and within mere minutes. This morning while putting on my make-up, my daughter Chloe, as usual, wanted to put on “makeups” too. She grabbed my chap stick and I didn’t think too much about it. First mistake. After finishing my simple routine of powder and mascara, I went into the living room to check on her. She had disrobed and covered her entire body with the greasy lip balm in true fashion of a long distance swimmer preparing to tackle the English Channel. I cleaned her off, got her dressed, and began preparations for our lunch. She came into the kitchen to help and chose a pouch fruit drink from the fridge for herself. I quickly prepared our lunch and made some sandwiches as well to take to her Daddy at work. When I called her into the kitchen, I peeked around the corner into the living room and was not really surprised to see that she had emptied the purple colored drink all over the front of the outfit I had just put on her and the sofa. I placed her at the table with her lunch and began to clean up the spilled punch. This is when I discovered she had somehow gotten ahold of a crayon, even though we have learned to keep those put away unless immediate supervision is present, and had colored all over the coffee table. It’s quite impressive what all a child can accomplish in such a short amount of time. I think what impresses me more though, are the characteristics I see it bringing out in me. I never raised my voice or felt more than a mild, humorous irritation at the above scenarios. This is completely out of character for my former self. Isn’t it beautiful to see how love changes perspective on life?
-
I am definitely in my 9th month of pregnancy. I think I sometimes forget that, though how I could, I have no idea! Last night, around midnight, I made another of my frequent trips to the bathroom. As I was leaving, I noticed the tube of the above mentioned lip balm discarded on the floor by the sink. I knelt down to pick it up. At that moment a very sad realization hit me. A days worth of fatigue in my thighs and the added weight around my midsection had taken its toll. I then realized that I wasn’t sure if I could get back up! All I could do was laugh out loud. My spouse, Ben, was at the computer and offered a hand, but being hard headed as ever, I declined. I felt that I had to prove I wasn’t completely invalid and hoist my own girth out of that floor. I did. Then I waddled back to the bed and took a tiny sip of water from my bedside glass, knowing I would be repeating my trip to the lavatory soon enough.
-
Many years ago, as a young woman, I went on a mission trip overseas. While there in a discipleship school, I remember a man giving a prophecy over me. I do believe that God gives spiritual gifts to people and also that you should individually weigh in your mind, heart, and spirit how these are presented. That being said, yes, I do believe that man was of God and received a spiritual gift of prophesy. Anyway, I go back to the point of what he said to me. He said “You have always felt out of place. You have felt like you didn’t belong. You are like one of those square pegs trying to fit into a round hole.” This was and is all very true. I never could seem to fit in as a kid. I had a tough time in school and suffered my fair share of bullying. I’m glad social media didn’t exist back then or I might have been one of those sad stories you see on Oprah! But there’s more. He also said something I will never forget. He said, “God made you different for a reason. He has a special plan for you. He will place you into a square hole where you fit perfectly.” As I’ve gotten older and my relationship has grown with the Lord, I find my differences much easier to accept. I am truly happy with myself. I am loved by so many people and I think my personality does draw people in whom God would have to be a part of my life. I am thankful for my differences. I am thankful for those who love me despite them. Most of all, I’m thankful for a God who made me, me! I pray today that everyone may feel that peace about themselves and work to cultivate it in your children and those whom you love.
That is all 🙂
