Far too often, I'm guilty of becoming a slave to my to-do list rather than enjoying the simple, everyday moments in life. When I feel myself getting frustrated with my two year old son for acting like, well, a two year old, it's usually because his behavior is keeping me from getting stuff done. If you are familiar with the story of Mary & Martha in the Bible, I hands-down identify with Martha, the one busy in the kitchen who gets stressed out, then snaps at her sister and Jesus for not seeing that she obviously needs help (I'm sure there have been times when Ryan can relate to the two of them in that situation!). I was born a "doer", and I have to force myself to stop, reflect and thank the Lord for the blessings in my life.
Yesterday at Redeemer, our pastor preached on Galatians 5, living in the battle between the flesh (sin nature) & the spirit (our new lives as Christians), and how we can have victory over the sin in our lives by believing in the Holy Spirit's power and asking him to change us. Then later that evening, we had a special Thanksgiving service in which people gave testimonies as to what they were thankful to God for. It was so refreshing and encouraging to me. I felt that God had convicted me earlier that day of my sin of trying to do too much on my own and not depending on him enough, and then that evening he reminded me of his goodness to me and the rest of his people, and how I truly need him. I left feeling inspired to better foster a spirit of thankfulness in my heart.
This Thanksgiving we'll be traveling to Atlanta to spend time with both sides of our family (yay!). Although I'm sure there will be times of being busy in the kitchen (I mean, we all want to eat, right?), I want to be purposeful to stop and thank the Lord for the blessings I have received: my loving husband, adorable son, a healthy pregnancy, baby #2 on the way, wonderful families that Ryan & I grew up in, supportive friends, and our new church home in Jackson...to name just a few.
I hope that you will take the time to thank God for how He has blessed you as well. In fact, I'd love to hear what you are thankful for if you want to post it as a comment! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Oh, and here are some overdue pics from the fall festival at our church:
I'm thankful for 4 healthy kids, a wonderful husband, and a loving Heavenly Father who faithfully provides for all our needs. I am so blessed to be part of the Redeemer community and thank Him daily for bringing us there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this reminder Leslie! I needed it. I am a "doer" too.. and find myself getting frustrated with my 2 year old for being a 2 year old too :)
ReplyDeleteToday I am thankful for the amazing husband God blessed me with, my spirited/sweet/sassy/adorable daughter, friends, family, a roof over my head and food in my stomach.
If you all are in town for Christmas we would love to get together! Let us know!
Great post sis! I think I was born more of a Mary (at least in the lack of cleanliness way...I'm certainly no servant) and have tried so hard to be a "Martha" only to overwhelm myself! We should both try to take in every moment with thankfulness :)
ReplyDeleteI too am thankful for family, my wonderful husband, my crazy awesome job, our house, our church family, and the many new friends I have made in our Lifegroup. Sooo much to be thankful for!
Can't wait to see you in a couple of days!! :)