"Mirror Of Ink"

I look into this mirror of ink and see a soul that has no beauty in itself, but is silvery-white in the light of

Your Grace that covers me and makes me new.

Friday, October 1, 2010

The Beautiful Life



"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."


Does this include sippy cups?

As a mother of young children, it is easy to feel so confined by the needs of my family that I don't believe I'm doing anything for the Kingdom. In this season of my life, my time is consumed by my 2 and 3 year old.



Playing. Diaper change. Cartoons. Dress up. Mealtime. Reading books. Wiping noses. Naptime. Repeat.

It's not a glamorous life. Since I started typing I've already changed one dirty diaper, kissed a boo-boo, broke up a fight, and said "no" about 50 times. Wait, make that 51.

As I've stated in previous posts, I have big dreams about my life making an eternal difference. I believe God has called me to be a part of something He is doing in the earth. Something that can and will change the course of history. I know I have a part to play. But some days my "part" seems very...well...insignificant.

I hear stories about people who are out there meeting needs. Feeding the hungry. Treating the sick. Housing the orphans. Preaching the Gospel. And I feel so unnecessary. What am I doing to make a difference in the world? Can God really be pleased with my life? My ordinary, toddler-raising, every day life?

Yes. Undeniably, absolutely, irrevocably, yes.



"And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." -Micah 6:8

This is what God wants from us. He doesn't need us to make the headlines with the good deeds we have done. He doesn't ask us to travel the world relieving human suffering. We are not worthless because we're not out on the streets preaching the Gospel.

Act justly.
Love mercy.
Walk humbly.

God requires justice-righteousness; morality. He wants us to show mercy- compassion; kindness; benevolence. And as we do, we should do it humbly- modestly; lowly; having a feeling of insignificance. He doesn't specify who, when, or where to do this. We are only commanded to do it.



For me, in this season of my life, it means doing these things as a mother. Acting justly in dealing with my children's disobedience. Teaching them right and wrong. Showing compassion in the way I treat them and speak to them. Kissing boo-boos. Speaking with kindness when I'd rather yell. And doing it all realizing that any success I experience as a mother (and an individual) is only because of Jesus Christ.

There is great purpose in any season of life. But regardless of what season that may be- childhood, student, career, empty-nest, retirement, or motherhood- we are all required to simply be, do, and live in a way that points others to Christ. The way it looks may be different for each person, but the way it looks to God is the same:

beautiful.

3 comments:

gloric423 said...

Great blog...I feel ya!

Tera Alejandre said...

This was the very topic we talked about at the Mom to Mom group I go to on Friday. God must be trying to really get my attention :) I think I'm really learning right now that each season in life does has a purpose and all are very important. God has lessons in each one of those seasons. I know for me I've sure learned alot when it comes to raising my kids. I loved how you used one of my favorite verses :) I can't even believe the picture of Zoey, she looks so grown up!

Anonymous said...

Been reading a book today based on Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and your neighbor as yourself. It talks about getting too outsourcing minded and you need to look at the needs of those that God places across your path every day FIRST. Love God, your spouse, kids, your neighbor if he needs help today, and whoever crosses your path that day. We want to OUTSOURCE with our lists of what we think we should be doing for so-and-so and save the world when God didn't place the world in our lap that day. We are to have consistent love expressed one opportunity at a time. First it starts at home. This has really taken some pressure off and helps you to enjoy the kids in your lap a whole lot more. Loved your blog, Mrs. Heather.