Seasons and Sacrifice

Thankfulness and Freedom seemed to be especially present this morning, and as I was reflecting on what has led about their strength in these days, I saw two lessons which The Shepherd has been patiently teaching me for some time now.

1. Life is full of seasons.  Lord willing, there really will come a time when I work/minister outside of my home.  There will come a time when my children are grown and I have the house to myself/Kris again.  There will come a time when my kids are old enough to have their own lives and I won't be so needed in the ways I am now (a freeing thought for my introverted self!).

2. Maturity, Faith, Love, Service, etc. start NOW.  In this place.  With these people.  There is no other way.  If I refuse to learn how to sacrifice for them, any future work/loving/evangelism/relationships will be stunted.  If I refuse to learn how to take care of myself (say no, set boundaries, serve with a cheerful heart, etc!) in this season, it will not magically *poof* it's way into my life in a future season.

Which, as a side note:

There. Is. No. *Poof.* in God's Kingdom - everything, always, has a cost and a process.  Does Jesus sometimes take the cost upon Himself?  Sure.  Does He sometimes make the process so sweet to us, that it is hardly a burden?  Absolutely.  Does that mean that if we're shouldering a heavy cost and a long journey that we're outside of His will?  Nope.
(Now, there is a difference between carrying shame, guilt, sin, etc. around in a heavy burden, but what I'm speaking of is the burden of love, commitment, sacrifice, purpose, etc)

And, back to the point....

So, because of these two lessons, I see that I am free to do what what I need to do, in THIS season, to care for myself, to strengthen my marriage, to love my children, and to serve God with a happy heart.  The deep lessons and maturity begin NOW....

I can't express how much this has changed how I see my life!

Trusting that God has actually led me to this place/season.  Trusting that the work I do now - in Normal Life - actually counts (for myself and for the Kingdom).  Trusting that God will move me - in His way/time -  to a new season.  Trusting that I can rest/play/connect/grow/serve as is most restful to me, and that Jesus will multiply my efforts, if they truly need to be (how much do I always think 'more is better'?).

After all, what other way is there, except to
............Begin where you're at?
............Use what you have?
............Serve whom you're around?
............Enjoy and Rest as you can, Today?

Basically, for me, these lessons have allowed Rest to enter my days.  To trust that Jesus really is in control...  That I don't have to go out seeking an adventure - I'm already in one.  Yes, it may look like dishes, bills, school, decisions, commitments, questions, hard work, diligence, tenacity, love, difficult people, fun times, etc, but isn't that what adventures always are?  Isn't that what the missionary works so hard to do in a new culture?  Isn't Ordinary Life what God created?  And aren't we in that Right NOW?

So, on my days when it's all I can do to not sit in anger and depression and hurt and despair at my life right now,  I remember that 'this too shall pass' and that 'He makes all things beautiful in its time.'  If that means that today I need a good cry, a coffee, and my boys play on their own, so be it.  If it means I have the energy to engage with Alex and Jon, Kris, my family, Jesus, friends, chores, work, etc. then great!  If it means that today is a slower day, and I breathe the moments with thanks for Life, Health, Relationships, Salvation, and most of all, for His walking with me....then ok!

He has given me the manna I need for Today.  Don't hoard it.  Don't waste it.  Say, "Thank You" and enjoy.



[I refuse to buy in to the Western (ah, human!) rush of living.  Life is so much more.  Why do we rush - few things are truly Urgent - for everything?  Laziness does not equal Rest!  But, that's for another day....]