As Time passes

I have to admit I was kind of stubborn in wanting to continue with making the apartment my home. And I’m happy to report I have made some advancements. Being a big believer of killing two birds with one stone it occurred to me to have the older boys help me, paint a few things/wall around the house and at the same time learn/teach them how to do these types of things. Needless to say these have been good times spent with the kiddos.

On one of the first times they came to help, we were not able to do much in the house, so they ended up helping me make food. As it turned out they loved helping me out in the kitchen! So as a reward for their help and per their request, we are planning to cook a couple of meals together.

On one occasion, as I was trying to be intentional, so I made it a point to explain what I was doing and my reasons for doing it that way. So when I was explaining how to remove the covering from the garlic, one of them said that it wasn’t how his mom would do it. So I showed him another way and it was how his mom does it. To which I replied that now he knew of another way so he could do it and he’d have to see what works best for him.

His comment got me thinking though. He had watched how his mom did things, and it had stayed with him. I was trying to be more obvious and intentional in showing and explaining with words how and the reasons why to do things, yet what he remembered was what he had seen (without the knowledge of his mom, I’m thinking). From then on, I decided to go without commentary and just do things and when they would ask, I could explain.

Thinking more deeply on this, doesn’t this also apply to all of us? We sometimes try to preach, or say things to teach, counsel, or encourage others yet how true it is that sometimes actions do it more loudly. Realizing kids do pay attention to how you do things, even little things like cutting vegetables, must also mean they also see how adults respond to difficulties/challenges, or how they relate to God and those around them. It was a very real reminder of how what we do and say is being observed by those around us. In my case, by a over 30 curious kids.

Talk about living in a fish bowl! Some would probably think it overwhelming, somehow…or most likely it is by God’s grace that it has not overwhelmed me. Not going to say it is easy breezy, but I can now see how God has prepared me and matured me to be able to walk this out. So far the hardest thing has been to keep my interest in the conversation when I’m exhausted or worse when I have many other things to do and not being able to get to them.

Either it is too late (I’m waiting for midnight to give little E her meds), or my thoughts are a bit scattered these days. In any case, I keep coming back to a couple of words of encouragements I want to share.

First, embrace the dry and difficult seasons/circumstances of your life. You’re probably thinking I am hallucinating but read me out. God does use those seasons to equip, mature, and teach you lessons you will need and use on the joyful, fulfilling seasons in your life. I may venture to say that they will be the reasons for which you will be able to be successful in the calling God has for your life. There were years, I struggled with feelings of being stuck and dry. In retrospect, I can see how God was working in my heart and mind to prepare me for this life now.

A few weeks ago, God reminded me of a vision a dear friend had of me sitting on a ladder. She asked God, what it meant, and He told her that He had equipped me and I had all the tools I needed but was sitting on them until it was time for me to use them. I am beginning to see the fulfillment of that vision. As I have marveled at God’s grace and sovereignty, I can see how the times I felt I was going nowhere and not doing much, He was the one doing and getting me ready for what was to come. So do not lose hope, God is still at work and when it’s time to enter the promise land you will be ready to face the giants.

The second encouragement is directed more to those who have Christ. Depend on Jesus to live out your life. Let His Spirit lead you and turn you more into His resemblance. We might think we can do it on our own, but we really do need Him. Some of us may be tempted to try to walk the talk on our own, but we run a high risk of failure. It is His Spirit in us that can transform our lives so that those around us see His Glory, love, and kindness through us. All we got to do is run to Him…every moment and recognize Him. The more you acknowledge Him the more your will notice all the little ways He shows His love for you and those He he has placed in your life.