We all have different seasons of life. What do we do when it is a more challenging season and we are already exhausted?
Do you remember mothering during the typical day in the Preschool/Toddler years?
The alarm goes off. You hit snooze, and … your quiet time is skipped. You throw on gym clothes, no makeup, grab processed prepackaged items for your preschoolers lunch. Your toddler keeps fussing, your preschooler gets a cereal bar in the car on the way to preschool, you are late to preschool drop off, your toddler is now throwing up in the back of the car, your husband forgot his wallet at work and you need to drop it off, plus you just remembered it is “Teacher Appreciation Day” and you forgot to get your preschooler’s teachers (that you adore!) a card and gift… all by 10am. The gym, showering, Bible study, laundry and grocery shopping were the ideal plan, for the day, but plans change.
Maybe this is your morning sometimes, or maybe it is something similar. You set out with one expectation and then another happens. We each have challenges in this fallen world. We can allow them to bring us down or refine us and build our endurance to glorify the Lord. How do we become thankful in the hard seasons? How do we find peace and joy in the midst of apparent total chaos?
I heard a sermon the other day and the only two words I remember were, “ATTITUDE and GRATITUDE.” These words brought this scripture to mind.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-6
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a heart of gratitude! See what happens to your attitude! The Holy Spirit, which is the Word of God, breathes life, and refines and comforts us. There is no need for fear, guilt, or worry. I heard an illustration about worry and anxiety. It is like a rocking chair, you are always moving, but there is no forward progress.
Getting into the Word can help us stay focused on our mission as mothers. The next time your kids are acting up, say out loud if you have to, “Lord, thank you for my child, thank you for refining me and loving me. And thank you for being with us.” He is the Sovereign God and no scenario is unexpected to Him and He will give you the tools to navigate whatever season you are in. When we mother in an attitude of gratitude, think of the possibilities for your family and marriage! Think of how refreshed your soul will become!
“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” Jeremiah 31:25.
written by: Ashley Teffeau
