Well this morning things are a little tender around here. One more week.
One week until we move.
I looked at these sweet boys this morning and thought about how much their life is about to change.
Again.
I have told them from the beginning that we are called to the ministry, so we go where God asks us to. As much as I hope, want and desire for this next ministry to be a place we land forever, I am honest with them about the reality of obedience. I have a feeling God will answer my prayers and allow our family to finally put down roots again and raise our boys. But I also know that our purpose here on earth is not necessarily about our happiness, but making God known. A sweet friend of mine *cough, Beverly* said that to me once. I was depressed about the changes and she was a true enough friend to point out that God wasn't all about me, Linda...being all happy and content!
I've had a couple people say that we are getting close to the age we shouldn't be moving our boys around. The tender teenage years are coming. I feel that in my heart as well, but I also know that obeying God means more than even their happiness. Did I just say that? What kind of mother am I? Sheesh! Yep, a mother that loves my kids enough to "allow" them to go through challenging times.
The other night I had one of those *bawl-yourself-to-sleep* moments with my oldest cutie patootie. We had a good cry together as he shared with me something he is struggling with. Something I didn't expect him to even understand until he was a teenager.
With all the joys, excitement and happiness ahead of my sweet family...I'm not that niave, I know that challenges, hurts and disappointments will be ahead of us too. That's life. It's full of them!
Jackie wrote an incredible guest post on Jamie's blog the other day. It really touched my heart. Especially looking at it from the perspective of being a child of God. How as mom's, we just have to let our kids suffer. It builds character and makes them into who they are. God allows us to go through times we feel like we are suffering. And we are. But who we become when we make it out the other end is all worth it.
That is who I am today.
A child of God who is different today. Hopefully better and usable for God's glory in the next season of my life.
I know my kids will be to.
Faith looks across the storm—it does not doubt.
Or stop to look at clouds and things without.
Faith does not question why when all His ways
Are hard to understand, but trusts and prays. —Anon.
13 comments:
Linda, you are right. You have to be obedient to God, and it is more important that your kids see that than "happiness". You are a wonderful mother to your sons. Don't let the enemy make you feel guilty for obeying God's call.
that is so true...it's not about our happiness and comfort. i have to remind myself of that as well with things coming up with Devyn's career. sometimes we just have to do hard things to be where he needs us. thanks for reminding me of that. i love your posts always, and never would think of you as spoiled, haha.... but did you get a suprise? :D
oh, man.
I was raised by a gypsy. Okay, she wasn't really. But as much as we moved, you'd think she were.
We didn't move because of the ministry, we moved to move.
I can't count how many town or cities I've lived in, or how many schools I've been to. My mom asked me recently if I resented her for that.
My answer, no way. It's totally made me who I am today, someone who is flexible and goes with the flow. Someone who has to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people and make new friends.
Is it hard being the new kid at school? Heck yes. But your boys have amazing parents and an even more amzing God who will help them through this transition.
A quote that I love, and not sure who it was by, said that if you're in your comfort zone and things feel all good...then you're not growing.
So true!
Excited for you guys and your newest adventure!
You couldn't have said that any better!! Thanks for keeping it real and offering me a challenge today. Now I'm gona go stand on my open porch and bawl-my-eyes out in the rain!!
Don't worry. My parents and I moved around a lot during my younger years due to my dad's job, and I turned out just fine. LOL!! Seriously, though, I think you and your husband will be a shining example of people serving the Lord's will to your children, and since teaching is best taught by examples, you two will be the best examples to your kids.
Can I just stick my fingers in my ears, I mean eyeballs and say "la la la la la...I can't hear you. I mean read you..."
No?
Darn,I thought you'd say that.
Just to encourage you with your boys: My dad is a pastor and for many years he was a church planter for our denomination. He went to areas (out West) where our denomination desired to plant a church. He started from scratch, canvassing neighborhoods for the "unchurched" and unsaved. At first we would have church in our home. At one time, my bedroom was a Sunday School room. When he had enough members, we rented a building, then eventually DAd, with the help of God and members, built a fine building. Then we moved on for another minister to come in and "pastor" the congregation. Then we moved and started the process all over again.
At the time, sure there were challenges and some moves were tougher than others. We were from the deep south going to CA, WA and PA and the midwest.
As an adult, I can see how God has used this history of mine to carefully craft the person I am today. I can easily speak to people from all generations and different ethnicities.
See this as a blessing not only to those you will minister to but also to your very own children.
You never know what God is birthing in the hearts and souls of your precious boys!
I'm excited for you!
Melanie@Bella~Mella
I struggle big time with the letting my little one suffer. It is a very hard thing for me! I know she will be better for it, because I know I am, but seeing and letting it happen to her is just not the same...something I need to be working on though!
Hope you have a great week before your move! I'll be praying for all of you:)
Wow, the truth hurts sometimes huh? BEAUTIFUL post, Linda - speaks straight to the heart!
What a beautiful and VERY true post! I have so missed reading my bloggyfriends! :)
Love this! It isn't always easy that is for sure! You have encouraged and inspired me with your obedience.
Aw, Linda, know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you make this transition. While the journey of God's direction can be bittersweet, at times, He always has our best interest at heart. And think how awesome it is that He's trusting you with His work!
Big hugs to you sweet friend.
Oh, and P.S. lots of people move lots of times in their lives and they turn out just fine. Children adjust, even better than adults. New memories and friends to be made in the new place. And old memories and friends to be carried with you through life!
Well written post my friend. God's got big stuff ahead for you. How wonderful that your sweet boy was willing to share his heart with you.
Post a Comment