"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." (Isaiah 40:11)
What!?! When my friend (A.C.) sent this to me, I couldn't believe it. I had never read or heard this scripture before. I have to say, it really took a lot of pressure off of me. It lifted the weird and twisted guilt that I had been carrying away & left me with a simple truth- He not only holds my babies close to Himself, but He gently leads me too. I love the word gently. Let's look at it.
Gently. -adjective.
- kindly; amiable: a gentle manner.
- not severe, rough, or violent; mild: a gentle wind; a gentle tap on the shoulder.
- moderate: gently warm.
- gradual: a gentle slope.
- characteristic of good birth; honorable; respectable: a gentle upbringing.
- easily handled or managed; tractable: a gentle animal.
- soft or low: a gentle sound.
- polite; refined: Consider, gentle reader, my terrible predicament at this juncture.
People, myself included, sometimes have a twisted view of God. For me, when I feel like I should be doing more, I think of Him as being angry with me, I feel guilty, like I should be punished, like I am not good enough. I find that I forget that God is love and that He really loves me perfectly. This scripture shows me and helps me stay confident in that fact. Why? Because God is not a man. He knows all and He sees all. God wants what is best for me and my children. He understands how hard it is for me to find time and stay focused. So, does He fuss at me in anger? Does He push me to do more, or give me a guilt trip? No! He lovingly leads me, allowing me to walk a subtle slope.
Picture the the strong, handsome man, going into a ball with the lovely delicate woman. Notice how He allows her to go in first, but then the lovingly puts his hand in the small of her back and he gently guides her into the room? THAT is what God does to us moms!
The above scripture was sent to me by a dear friend of mine who has SEVEN children, all under twelve years old & she home schools them. Now, when another mom sends you a scripture, you pay attention. When she has SEVEN children, you write it on your heart! Anyway, it was in response to the second question that I sent out to the council:
"With work, marriage, family & all the obligations we, as women, find ourselves involved in, how do you find time for God? What do you do during the day that keeps you connected to Him? What tips would you suggest for not loosing touch and keeping my faith strong?"
It has taken me longer to write this blog for two reasons. One, it is summer and all four children are home 24/7. And although I have, this summer, found a balance with things that I have never had before, it leaves little time for Mommy to squeeze extras in. Secondly, with this question, I particularly wanted to "live it out" a little. I received seven or so emails in response to this question with fantastic advice. Here are a couple of the many noteworthy things my ladies had to say:
"I've learned that times like these, when we feel so far from Him, turn out to be great periods of growth...trusting God to be everything you cannot be, trusting Him to carry you through, and knowing His mercy, love, forgiveness and gentleness better than you ever have before. I realize even more now how much I am dependent on Him. I don't want it any other way." (A.C.)
I was really surprised at how many women hide in the bathroom to seek God! This made me laugh out loud. You know who you are! Yet, I was so desperate, I tried it & it worked. God doesn't care what we are doing or where we have to hide. What He cares about is our hearts. I am sure that it pleases God when we make the most of every moment, even the potty ones. And, let's face it, sometimes that moment might be the only we get for a while. Why not make the most of it?
For the most part all of the ladies said the same things; pray constantly, find Him in His creation, make the most of any moment you find, listen to good wholesome worship music while you clean and/or in the car & for goodness sake, be thankful!
For me, I found my niche in reading before bed. In two weeks, I had read an entire book, cover to cover & read more of the Word than I have in a long time. I was amazed. Not only because that is the first book I have finished in over a year, but amazed at how it helped me sleep more peacefully & how much better I started the next day when it came. Of course, throughout the day, I still listen to God focused music, pray often- and by pray I mean, I talk to Him like He's my pal, which means I am real. None of this "formal" stuff you hear only at Thanksgiving dinner. :)
The rewards have been sweet. Not only am I happier, but I know God is pleased too.
In reading the book, "Love & War" by John & Stasi Elderidge, I read that if you want to find God, you go where God is. God is love & that is where you will find Him. Which brings me to the next blog topic. Love.
In the meantime, dear readers, imagine yourself at the ball looking magnificent (even if it's noon and you haven't had time to brush your teeth), and feel the Spirit moving you, with His hand in the small of your back, gently guiding you into the room. He is your night in shining armor. And the best part? There is no pumpkin in this story.
