My Crew are pretty normal kids (as far as I can tell). They can make a massive mess in no time flat. They'd rather play than work. And they are often oblivious to what's going on around them.
Our week has been chaotic, and the chores have fallen behind. So after sending the kids to bed last night, I started cleaning the kitchen. Shorty was gone for a while, and that seemed like the best use of my time. When Shorty is gone at bedtime, the Crew is INCREDIBLY reluctant to actually go to sleep. So within a few minutes my son was back in the living room. I don't remember what his first comment was, but just before he turned to go back to bed he said, "Thank you for loading the dishwasher for me, Mama."
"Thank you" is such a small expression. Just two syllables. And yet, those two syllables have the ability to bring sunlight to the darkest of days. Why? Because "thank you" says I noticed what you did. It mattered. And I'm grateful for your sacrifice. So be ready to express your thanks next time someone serves you. And remember that there is no one more deserving of our thanks than Christ. He made the ultimate sacrifice to save us from our sin.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Already Lovely
Our weekend was WAY too long. We stayed up late Friday watching a new movie. We hurried and rushed to soccer and a wedding on Saturday... and got home late. Sunday was full of church and friends. And now we are stumbling through our week. This morning we were behind in our schoolwork, and I'd forgotten to pack Shorty's lunch. About 11:00 Shorty texted me to say that he would swing by and pick up his lunch at noon. So I made sure that the Crew all had assignments and then told them that I was going to fix my hair and put on my make-up so I'd be lovely for Shorty when he got here. My middle daughter piped up to say, "You're already lovely, Mommy!"
As I fixed my hair, it was as if the Lord was whispering, "You're already lovely." I've been in a pruning season spiritually. It feels as if the Lord is showing me that everything I think I'm good at is really not so much. (Which is not to say that I'm not good at anything, but that I'm not as good as I'd like to think.) And while that process is the most loving thing He could do, that doesn't make it any less painful for my wicked heart. Throughout the day, I've continued to chew on the already lovely concept. Dear Sister (or Brother), in the eyes of your Savior, you are already lovely. What you do cannot make Him love you more, nor can it make Him love you less. Because He set His love on you, YOU ARE ALREADY LOVELY!
To the choirmaster: according to Lilies. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah; a love song. My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe. You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty! In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds! Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; the peoples fall under you. Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad; daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir. Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father's house, and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him. The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts, the richest of the people. All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold. In many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions following behind her. With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king. In place of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth. I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.
Psalms 45:1-17
As I fixed my hair, it was as if the Lord was whispering, "You're already lovely." I've been in a pruning season spiritually. It feels as if the Lord is showing me that everything I think I'm good at is really not so much. (Which is not to say that I'm not good at anything, but that I'm not as good as I'd like to think.) And while that process is the most loving thing He could do, that doesn't make it any less painful for my wicked heart. Throughout the day, I've continued to chew on the already lovely concept. Dear Sister (or Brother), in the eyes of your Savior, you are already lovely. What you do cannot make Him love you more, nor can it make Him love you less. Because He set His love on you, YOU ARE ALREADY LOVELY!
To the choirmaster: according to Lilies. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah; a love song. My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe. You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty! In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds! Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; the peoples fall under you. Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad; daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir. Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father's house, and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him. The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts, the richest of the people. All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold. In many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions following behind her. With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king. In place of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth. I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.
Psalms 45:1-17
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