Have you ever had one of those days?
You know what I mean.
When you know you would just feel better…
If for just a brief second let out a little…
But mighty yell?
Oh, you don’t? Right. I don’t every think about doing that either. Nope, not me. Happy, serene homeschool mom. *quietly whistles as I walk out of the room*
Ok. I’ll be honest. I get frustrated. I do. Yes, I do. My day doesn’t go as plan. The baby wants to play at 3am and the 2 year old wants to be up before the sun. Suddenly the 11 year old forgets fractions and the 6 year old is almost in tears over reading. And exactly where are the missing scissors and why is the floor wet in the very spot I just sat down in?
Hmm, maybe I’ll add some tears in with the scream. Yes, I think I will.
Or maybe I won’t.
Every morning I gather up the children for time together in the Word and working on scripture memory. For the months of May and June we read through the book of Proverbs. For the month of July, we have been in Philippians. Yes. The whole month. 4 chapters. We read one each day and have just kept cycling through. There is so many wonderful things to study and pray about in Philippians. I have come to love the words of this book so much during this month.
And tonight, I was sharing with a friend how I just felt like crying. Life isn’t going the way I want it. I feel frustrated. I’m tired. I’d like to just scream and let it all out. And I came to blog about that and make myself feel better by throwing my little online fit.
Then the Lord placed His firm but gentle hand on my shoulder and drew me close. He brought the words we have been studying to my mind and comforted my heart.
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your won salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in both you to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining or disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.”
Philippians 2: 12-17
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4: 4-7
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. The things you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you”
Philippians 4: 8-9
I needed to be reminded of these words tonight. I want to focus on what is true and pure and lovely. I don’t want my children to see me as a mom who is constantly grumbling or frustrated with life. I want them to see that I can rejoice in all circumstances. Will I always succeed? Nope. I won’t. But they will see that I keep trying. Keep pressing toward the goal.
I can’t wait to see how the Lord is going to speak to me in August.
{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}} I love Philippians…those words have brought me comfort over and over again.
Very encouraging. It has been one of those months – or rather – summers – or, well, really, one of those years! I need to read Phillipians again. Thanks