Sometimes I swear my daughter wakes up with the intent to drive me as crazy as possible. To push me to my absolute breaking point. To the point where I just want to hide in a completely dark, silent room where no one can reach me. Any mothers reading this (and probably dads too) know EXACTLY what I mean.
Well, it is not even just the child's fault, they are just an ingredient in the recipe for disaster. Add in the television being on more than it needs to be, and drama from Facebook, or whatever other source and it all adds up to multiple distractions that cause us to become off center.
This always makes me think of that passage in Isaiah 64:8. This says, "Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand."
I have very little experience with a potter's wheel, however I DO know that it is important to ensure the clay is centered on the wheel. If I remember correctly, if the clay is not centered it will cause distortions in what the potter is trying to create. The wheel will become unbalanced.
This is how I feel when I have taken my eyes off the Lord, and become distracted. My mind "goes crazy". I cannot think straight, EVERYTHING annoys me, and I cannot enjoy the little things in life, like being able to stay home with Emma and see her grow. Or enjoy her laughter or triumphant smile as she learns a new trick. Instead,I get short tempered with her.
I think it is at this point that parents can fall into resenting their children, and even their spouses. If we do not recognize the situation for what it is, and give in to the anger and irritation, resentment will take root and grow. Identifying the situation at the offset is vital to the health and relationship you have with your family.
Anyway, when we take our eyes of the Lord, when we stop finding our joy and fulfillment in Him, we become unbalanced and for me at least, unmanageable.
I have heard it said that religion is a crutch and it is said in a very derogatory way. You know what? Jesus IS my crutch. Why? Because I am weak. We are all weak people. We struggle with anxieties, and fears. Without Jesus as my center, life seems crazy and I completely understand the occurrence of things like anxiety attacks.
I have heard it said that the eye of the storm is an incredibly peaceful place. Life is a storm, and it is in Christ where we are able to find peace in the midst of all the chaos. It is times like this where the Scripture in Psalms 46:10 really comes alive: Be still and know that I am God.
It is at these times that all the distractions go off: the television, the radio, and the internet are turned off. It is at this time where I quiet my mind, and re center myself on God.
And I be still.
And I know that He is God.
And peace is restored, joy is restored, and I can enjoy my daughter, my husband, and life. Her screaming for the heck of it no longer makes me want to bang my head on the wall :) but I can turn around and realize she just wants my undivided attention. I can give that to her, and enjoy her and be the mommy I want to be.
Well, it is not even just the child's fault, they are just an ingredient in the recipe for disaster. Add in the television being on more than it needs to be, and drama from Facebook, or whatever other source and it all adds up to multiple distractions that cause us to become off center.
This always makes me think of that passage in Isaiah 64:8. This says, "Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand."
I have very little experience with a potter's wheel, however I DO know that it is important to ensure the clay is centered on the wheel. If I remember correctly, if the clay is not centered it will cause distortions in what the potter is trying to create. The wheel will become unbalanced.
This is how I feel when I have taken my eyes off the Lord, and become distracted. My mind "goes crazy". I cannot think straight, EVERYTHING annoys me, and I cannot enjoy the little things in life, like being able to stay home with Emma and see her grow. Or enjoy her laughter or triumphant smile as she learns a new trick. Instead,I get short tempered with her.
I think it is at this point that parents can fall into resenting their children, and even their spouses. If we do not recognize the situation for what it is, and give in to the anger and irritation, resentment will take root and grow. Identifying the situation at the offset is vital to the health and relationship you have with your family.
Anyway, when we take our eyes of the Lord, when we stop finding our joy and fulfillment in Him, we become unbalanced and for me at least, unmanageable.
I have heard it said that religion is a crutch and it is said in a very derogatory way. You know what? Jesus IS my crutch. Why? Because I am weak. We are all weak people. We struggle with anxieties, and fears. Without Jesus as my center, life seems crazy and I completely understand the occurrence of things like anxiety attacks.
I have heard it said that the eye of the storm is an incredibly peaceful place. Life is a storm, and it is in Christ where we are able to find peace in the midst of all the chaos. It is times like this where the Scripture in Psalms 46:10 really comes alive: Be still and know that I am God.
It is at these times that all the distractions go off: the television, the radio, and the internet are turned off. It is at this time where I quiet my mind, and re center myself on God.
And I be still.
And I know that He is God.
And peace is restored, joy is restored, and I can enjoy my daughter, my husband, and life. Her screaming for the heck of it no longer makes me want to bang my head on the wall :) but I can turn around and realize she just wants my undivided attention. I can give that to her, and enjoy her and be the mommy I want to be.
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