have you ever been on a missions trip, or lived in a foreign country for a while without all the comforts of America?
I have and every time the biggest thing I take away is how appreciative I am of all the comforts America affords.
My friend came over today for 30 min's so I could go running and while out I was thinking how that scenario is so close to what my life is right now.
I'm on a missions trip without the comforts of a normal life.
I see friends just loading up one or two kids to go to the gym everyday and it's no big deal or just throwing them in a stroller and jogging away
I see other people 'struggling' at the grocery store with one kid (I want to validate that mothering is hard, ESPECIALLY in the store, don't beat yourself up for having to struggle in the store, it's just that it's a little more involved on this end that's all ;-)
I see families walking into church and they don't have a stroller in one hand, a kid in the other, a bag on the other arm and another kid holding their skirt
My friends houses (who are like me) are sooo clean.
Their schedule is flexible
I hear about moms who sit down and can finish a book in a month or less
....and I could go on
I can't do any of that. I'm not complaining. I LOVE MY GIRLS....it hits me all the time how fun it is what God has given me....serious, unbridled fun.
But what also hit me today was that IF I was on a missions trip, far from home, none of those discomforts would bother me because I'd be 'serving the Lord'
I read a quote by Mother Teresa today that probably brought this on:
Be faithful in little things, for in them our strength lies
and a quote by Ellyn Sanna really drove it home:
The sort of service that Jesus modeled does not concern itself with results
I am not comfortable with my sole ministry being to my kids - they have priority, no contest - but what I am getting comfortable with is the fact that changing a diaper, searching 45 minutes for a pacifier, wiping noses, making turkey sandwiches everyday at 11a, picking up shoes upon shoes upon shoes upon shoes every hour of every day
wouldn't 'bother' me so much if I saw them for what they really are.
A Missions Trip to a foreign land.
A really long one!
And all of that, when seen for what it is, makes me appreciate a run around the neighborhood, time to read a book, time home alone, a 'quick' trip to the store, running errands, etc....
So, if you need me in the next 18 years or so, I'll be on a Missions Trip, just look for me there!
The Mommy and Daddy
(aka Holly and Jake, but only sometimes)
Our Lydia
Our Samantha
Our Lenora
Our Sophie
3 comments:
I'm going to send you that book. You need to read it. Even if you read a chapter a month...it'll speak to you immediately. I love you. The old cliche is true...it does get easier. Every stage has it's challenges...you are doing awesome.
I think your day out helped you to "center" and realize you are exactly right. You are called to the mission field every much as those who are abroad. And your field is just as important to God's kingdom as anyone serving across the globe. Your crown is gathering jewels beyond belief. I know that your's (like most missionarys) is a thankless job most times but the rewards you do get are priceless. Like Lydia's prayer last week!! And you get to see your treasures everyday in person and the rest of us only get to see them on here. You can rest assured that your husband adores you. You are a VERY rich woman!!!
Mamaw
I've heard it said that the mission field is right outside your door. When you have kids I guess you don't even have to go out the door...
Thank you for this.
Jonathan
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