Today I went in to the kitchen and immediately had to stifle a groan. I knew the minute I took a step, the bottom of my feet would be covered in crumbs. My heart felt tired, like “didn’t I JUST clean this up?”
“Isn’t this, basically, the exact same mess I’ve cleaned up dozens, hundreds of times before?!”
So, like many times before, out came the trusty broom.
The thing is.. maybe it’s like this in your house?… it’s not just the kitchen floor.
It’s the same two siblings who clash every. single. day. And one messy clash is almost indistinguishable from the last. Is today’s mess bigger than yesterday’s? Does it include the same pieces? Or different ones? Maybe…
Who can tell?
All I know is I get wearied by it. Do you?
Or, it’s the child who always gets his feelings hurt, and each time, it’s a not-so-black-and-white mess… is he just laying it on thick today? Or was it actually as bad as he’s saying? Was his sibling being rude, or is he just being over-sensitive? Maybe…
Who can tell?
All I know is I get wearied by it. Do you?
Or, it’s me. I’m the one who, for an un-pinpoint-able reason feels messy and discouraged and tired. I feel like giving up. Like yelling. Like telling all the kids, “Fend for yourselves while I run for the hills.” And maybe, just maybe, it’s warranted this time. Or maybe I’m being over-dramatic. Or maybe I haven’t been reading the Word, making melodies in my heart, praying and laying my requests before the Blessed Controller of All Things. Maybe I’ve been acting like I’m strong and capable, rather than acknowledging that I’m weak and needy. Maybe…
Who can tell?
All I know is I get wearied by it. Do you?
This is why I continually give thanks that our God says He is the Shepherd who is gentle with mamas.
“He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” ~Isaiah 40:11
Cause I need that gentleness. I need it today. I need it tomorrow.
I need His gentleness to help me pick up that broom, or break up that fight, or discern that child’s spirit, or keep watch on my own heart…
…and right there, in my need, my Shepherd will gently lead me. He will help me. He will help me turn from my groanings and turn to Him with my requests. He will help me do what needs doing… but MORE THAN THAT, He has given me the Spirit to help me govern my responses and approach to the mess.
Christian woman, turn to your Good Shepherd. Right in that moment when you’re feeling like, “Didn’t I JUST clean up this mess?” your Shepherd stands ready to gently lead you.
Isn’t that a comforting thought?
I needed this today. I had been dealing with morning sickness, sick kids, and extra work for hubby and just feel overwhelmed and at my limit. Thank you for the engagement
Truth. Such a good reminder when Ben is gone on a writing retreat and I’m single-mamaing it. Thanks Jess.
Yes!! Thanks for the reminder. I enjoyed your backpacking series so much and was sad to see it end, but these are just the words I need tonight and will share them tomorrow with my women’s Bible study group.
Thanks Jess. I was doing a bible devotion about “No more unglued mama mornings” and there was a tip about writing on your bathroom mirror some verses and reminders and I think, if it’s ok with you, I’d like to write your last paragraph and fill in the blank. Always turn to my Good Shephard.
Sounds good. I’ve had an “unglued mama” morning this morning. *sigh* I need to reread the last paragraph myself.
Thank you for this reminder. Thankful that He’s a gracious Shepherd because this ewe has a short-term memory of His faithfulness and a tendency to trust her own strength.
Beautiful and to the point. Thanks!