Man's days are determined;
you have decreed the number of his months
and have set limits he cannot exceed. (Job 14:5)
After writing the Gratitude Challenge and reading my daughter Hannah's post on puts it into perspective.... I've been convicted of the gift and wise use of time. It's all to easy to live life thinking and putting off the needs for the day. And I'm not talking laundry. Or dishes. Or a spotless house. I'm talking of -
reading that story to your two year old
hugging your nine year old
telling your fourteen year old that she's beautiful
sitting next to your husband and really listening
calling your parents and telling them you love them
being grateful even though everything isn't perfect
praising for the small things
racing across the back yard with your six year old
teaching your twelve your old how to make dumplings
laughing with your four year old
simply rocking your baby
sitting at the feet of the Father
That's my list of the real important. It's amazing how quickly I look to the unimportant and make it so vitally important. Keeping a posture of gratitude for time shifts my thinking.
What's on your list of important that gets pushed aside?
My Sunday challenge for you? Read the verse in Job -- take it to heart -- and do the important first.
The real important.
9 comments:
It seems like lately, God has been telling me that. Over & over. I loved reading this post. One day, I want to be a mom & wife like you. You show this certain...love (real love. The kind in 2 Cor.)
I bet it's tough at times for you (especially with the number of kids you have!) I cry in the chip aisle (more like the aisles of goodwill) just for stupid things. But I see God how God is your refuge.
I know, I need to better spend my time. Thank you for writing this! And I love Hannah's blog, too!
love,
Amber
Sweet Blessings to ya :)
Oh, thank you for posting this!
Lately I've been finding ways to "escape" instead of being more present. Present as in just sitting with my 3 year-old boys while they play cars and letting them show me their tricks. Letting the baby crawl all over me and "wrestling" with him. Really listening to my husband and being excited about the things he's excited about. Hugs, tickles, words of encouragement.
Thank you for this.
I was just thinking, like Coby, I too look for ways to escape. There is this selfish thing in me that believes I, as a busy mom and wife, who works full time, deserve some time to myself doing those things I love to do, and that the other can wait. But I am finding more and more that those things that truly matter to my heart, as well as God's, are the ones I am pushing aside -- reading the book to my little ones; teaching my 10 year old about modesty; teaching my 7 year old about patience; really having that heart to heart with my 19 year old, etc. I need to open my eyes and see those needs and then get off my butt to meet them!
I'm working on my important list too. And it involves much less computer time to get it done . . . but it's so worth it!
What a beautiful post, Rachel! And so true. :-)
Priorities:
.taking the time to listen to my 13yo sister
.honoring my father and mother
.helping my dad get around the house and giving him his insulin shots
.telling/showing momma how much I appreciate her and love her
.helping my 17yo sister with the chores around the house
.playing with my 11yo sister like there's no tomorrow
.Praising God for the good AND the bad
.loving my Jesus!!
What a great post! I think I am going to write out my own list and tape it next to the bathroom mirror (a trick I learned in college to help memorize things) so every morning I can remind myself what is REALLY important! Thanks :)
Some have a lot fewer days than others...some know that their time is short, others wake up one morning not knowing that it was the last day of their life here on earth. Life is so very precious! We need to make the most of each moment!
Know that I'm always here praying!
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Prayer Bears
My email address
I'm leaving a comment on my own comment list. I was so blessed by reading these comments.
Today?
I sat outside, watched my children, played a game. Laughed.
It was beautiful.
Bless you all!
Rachel
Thanks so much, Rachel, for these very timely words. I often think - will I lie on my deathbed regretting I didn't do this more?? For example, will I regret I didn't blog more? (no) Will I regret telling my kids to run off and play? (sadly, yes). So why am I sitting here still? Good question. I'm logging off. :)
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