Overwhelmed by My Blessings: Encouragement for Moms (Part 11)Sample

All the mom thoughts and crazy questions. You know you’ve asked them, or at least thought them. You are doing and saying things you never dreamed!

“If I have to say it one more time!....”

“Don’t stand on your brother’s head!”

“Could you PLEASE hurry up?”

“Are you freaking kidding me??!”

You even sound like your own mother, which you swore would never happen. We are so inadequate to handle all these situations. No one ever told us it would be this difficult. Our moms certainly never did, because they wanted grandchildren! 

In 35 years of raising my children here’s what I discovered: if I was connected to the Source, His fruit was there. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness. But when I was not connected, fruit was still there. Bad fruit. Unkindness, harsh words, discord, impatience. It’s like my Holy Spirit connection had a crimp in it. In the midst of all the chaos, crying, rolling eyes, and huffy attitudes, I forgot to stay connected. My circumstances became larger than my relationship with Jesus.  

Staying connected to Jesus takes constant effort. Learning to abide in His presence takes practice and more practice. It’s redirecting our thoughts when they jump to the worst-case scenario. It’s reminding ourselves that He is for us and is working even these hard things for our good. It’s seeing Him even in the sunshine or a flower and hearing His voice in the wind. Staying connected to Him is being thankful even when there is spilled milk in the car or coffee on your new rug. It’s staying connected to Him in prayers offered over food, but more importantly while we are wiping a bottom, or holding our angry and harsh words. Staying connected is moment by moment, conflict to conflict, grace upon grace. I’m still practicing. 

He is here and will never leave us. His hand is extended, the door is open. He invites us to remain with Him where His abundance never runs out. Will you join Him?

Father, my desire really is to stay connected to You. I know the fruit I often produce is not beneficial for me or my family. I allow my overwhelming circumstances to lead me rather than waiting on You and being mindful of the power Your presence gives me to choose Your fruit. I know You are near, but I so quickly forget. May my heart and mind be tuned to You, my strength. Thank You for your love and patience with me. I begin today to look for You in all I do and all I see.