On my way to take Judah to school this morning, I caught a glimpse of a little girl, probably 6-years-old, walking to school by herself. I 'm aware of what time the local public school begins so I knew she was considerably late and something about the situation did not seem right.
I dropped Judah off at school and came back around and there she was anxiously strolling along in her flowy peach dress, tan boots and sandy blonde bobbed hair. But, it was the purple Frozen backpack that drew me in. Every step she would take, the backpack would bop up and down. From time to time, she would look back nervously, aware of her surroundings but she just kept walking. Since we live in a society where you cannot just stop and offer a little girl a ride to school, I decided that all I could do was make sure that she arrived to school safely. Those little legs walked as fast as they could, but that half-mile walk must have seemed like a marathon to her. I circled, turning around in cul-de-sacs and neighborhoods, always keeping her within eye-shot. As she turned the corner to enter the school, I caught my last glimpse of her. The fretful look I had observed on her face before had changed. Her nervousness had given way to singing. I watched her sing with her whole heart as she disappeared down the path to school. Although relieved, I knew I needed to call the school to make sure that someone was aware of her situation. I told them that I had watched a girl walk to school and something seemed odd. The voice on the other end knew exactly who I was talking about and informed me that they were aware of the situation. Her mom was very sick and could not walk her to school. She also told me that they had people stationed inside and outside of the school watching for her arrival. The little girl that seemed so alone was not alone at all. Not only had God impressed on me to watch for her, but He had strategically placed people along her path to guard her and protect her as she walked to her destination. As I drove home, the Lord reminded me that I am never alone. Although that sweet girl was unaware of those guarding her, they knew exactly where she was and she was safe. If you feel alone today, remember that you are seen. You may never know those that God has asked to pray for you. You may never see the angels sent to protect you. And, you may never physically see God's presence hovering around you. But you are seen. Just like that sweet girl, may we turn the corners of life without fear or anxiety but with singing knowing that the God of all creation knows our name. Isaiah 43:1 "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine."
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I found out a little tid-bit after a fun-filled day at the beach yesterday. Asians boys can get a sunburn. I guess I've known this all along but we've been blessed that none of our boys has gotten too burnt over the years. However, yesterday's marathon beach trip proved that it is possible, and one of our little guys is hurting today. He's been miserable and pitiful all day.
Since he has slept most of the afternoon, I asked one of his brothers to help him out a bit. My boys alternate days unloading the dishwasher so I asked the well kid to switch days with the hurting kid. Honestly, I expected him to be flooded with compassion and jump on the chance to bless his brother, but I was sadly disappointed. He quickly rejected the idea and walked away. I was shocked that he had missed an opportunity to bless his brother. As I began to get angry, I prepared my rapid-fire speech on serving others that included such statements as "Didn't I teach you better than this?" and "Are you kidding me?" I was tightening my seat belt from the top of my soapbox and preparing for a lecture when God stopped me in my tracks. He reminded me of all the opportunities that I miss on a daily basis. The times when I fail to extend grace to my husband or fail to show patience to my boys. He reminded me of the times when He has asked me to bless someone, but I chose not to because I was too busy or tired. My heart melted for my son as I felt the love God extends to us when He sees us struggling to build our character. It can not be easy for God to see us reject his perfect plan and fail daily. But, as all parents know, it is a part of growing and learning. So, I will extend grace to him this time because God told me to. I will wait and pray. Pray for God to convict his heart. Pray for the right opportunity to talk to him about this at a later time. I will pray for his future and the wife he will have some day. And, I'll thank God for the mercy He extends to us daily as we try to figure out this parenting thing. Yesterday, I completed my first triathlon. The sprint to the finish line did not disappoint. The feeling of having a medal placed around your neck as your family watched and cheered cannot be described.
It was life changing. Life changing for me, and I pray for my boys as well. Being a mommy triathlete isn't easy. Four hours after celebratory meal and nap, I was back at it. Making dinner, lunches, and cleaning the kitchen I had ignored as I prepared for my race. Reality. My beautiful reality stopped for a moment to allow me to feel strong but was waiting for me to return. Being a mommy is my reality. It is the reason why I strive to be better. To be strong. To finish what I start. Being a mommy is a blessing from the Lord. It makes me better at what I do because those four boys are watching. Watching how their momma handles adversity. Watching how their momma fights to overcome. Triathletes should all be commended. The training and dedication it takes to complete a triathlon is an incredible accomplishment for anyone. However, there's something so special about crossing the line as a mom. So, today, I salute you moms who choose to do something that inspires your family. Whether it be writing, fitness, homeschooling, a business venture, or ministry. Three cheers to you. May your children understand one day that you did it for them. May they rise up and call you blessed. Because, you deserve it! Last Thursday was swim day for our triathlon training. As I waited for my swim partner to arrive, I confidently slipped into an open lane at the pool, put my goggles and swim cap on, and began swimming.
It wasn't until this morning that I realized the miracle of this moment. Just three weeks before, my first swim clinic and pushed me into a full panic attack and meltdown. The fear that had gripped me for over 10 years reared it's ugly head as I struggled to push through. Over the last ten years, this fear has robbed me of countless opportunities. Many times my children begged me to play with them in the far end of the pool or join them in the deep ocean waves, but my fear kept me confined to the safety of the shallows. If you didn't know me intimately, you wouldn't have known that I was afraid. Afraid to put my head under water. Afraid to dive to the floor of the pool to get the toy that had sunk to the bottom. Afraid to ride the waves with my boys at the beach. Afraid and ashamed of my fears. I quoted scriptures, prayed, and begged for God to remove this fear from me but my deliverance didn't come instantly. I had to walk this one out. God has been with me every step of the way but it hasn't been easy. I've heard that fear can be defined as False Evidence Appearing Real. It's the absence of faith and is usually a lie. For me, it was a lie. My fear of water was irrational and without merit. It was a lie of the enemy that kept me confined so that I couldn't fulfill my God-given purpose. My heart aches for those of us who struggle with things that require us to push through, only making tiny little strides as we obediently walk out the freedom that God has promised us. It can be so daunting and so embarrassing, especially for a Christian. We want to look like we have it all together but we all struggle. And, when it comes down to it, God promises that we will have troubles in this life. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 I love that this scripture warns us of trouble but promises triumph. Some of us have struggles that are out in the open and some have hidden sins. But, God loves us the same and yearns for us to face our struggles and overcome with His grace and power. Your path to freedom may be quick and filled with supernatural miracles or God may require that you walk it out one step at a time. I pray today that you will embrace God's hand and fight for your freedom in any area that the enemy wants to steal from you. Rest assured, the area you struggle with today will one day be your testimony. |
About MarcyProud wife and momma of a clan of boys. Life is busy and chaotic, but not dull! I love my life. Archives |