Children are a gift from God. Motherhood is a vocation.
God never gives you more than you can handle. His grace is enough.
God knows better. He knows what he's doing. He doesn't make mistakes.
If this is so, than what God has gifted me with is just as He intended and He will give me the grace to fulfill His will.
Can I have such confidence in this, when every day I wake up tired and dreading the work to be done? Or is it me, that in dreading it, that has not accepted the gifts He's given? Can I work myself into a state of dragging myself to bed late each night after a day of cleaning and caring for my family, and still be grateful? Yes.
I've grown bitter towards the life I asked for. How dare I scoff at God for what He must consider to be the greatest of blessings…
I see a messy house… He sees a lovely home.
I see piles upon piles of laundry… He sees that my children are clothed and playful.
I see lawn mowing, weeding, staining, repairs… He sees land to roam on, flowers blooming, and handiwork.
I hear children whining… He hears children begging for time with their parents.
I hear about our debts… He hears that we are providing the best we can.
I hear silence between me and my spouse… He hears our prayers of thanks for each other.
I feel tired and worn… He feels that I've been busy living and need to let go of unnecessary worry.
I feel lonely… He feels sad that I've forgotten He's always there and gave me a family and friends to lean on.
I feel unappreciated… He feels the same.
So when I look back on my day of sorrows and woe, stresses and chaos, debts and chores… I must consider what the Lord sees, hears and feels about my day and PRAISE HIM for it. Why? Because He gave me another day.
Another day to see, hear, feel and act differently.
Another day to be grateful that we are fed, clothed and sheltered.
Another day to be grateful for a yard to relax and play in.
Another day to be grateful for a home that memories are made in.
Another day to be grateful for my children and spouse who keep me company, love me and need my talents and love to make this day special for them too.
Another day to offer up my hardships and sufferings to save lost souls.
Another day to know, love and serve God better in all that I have, all that I am and all that I do.
I am so blessed, if I'd only notice.