Let me share with you my facebook status from earlier today: Dalene “tries not to overshare too much but the lack of sleep is fogging my mind…2 whining kids who didn’t sleep enough, boogers & snot, cleaning-up potty training messes, & the tip of my robe belt dipped into the toilet water. (gag!) ~Facebook, take me away!~”
Hours later I checked again & after some friends left some encouraging posts, I posted this in reply: “You’re all great – thank you! BOTH kids are asleep now- that is GRACE. Actually, I ♥ my work…if only I could keep my current position but only do it part-time so I get more time with the kids before they go off to school.”
But…is it grace that my 2 truly wonderful kids are now napping at the same time? Or is it a chance to let God use my kids to show me my weakness? It didn’t occur to me until reading a blogpost by the IHOP-KC titled “The Humility of God”, that I realized what a whiner I was being.
The quiet gives me a chance to see my lack of humility. I wonder why I think a 2.5 year old should be perfect & not wipe his nose on his sleeve (or the couch), or always make it to the potty on time? Is it really that difficult for me (or that low beneath me) to clean up someone else’s mess? *Especially* when it’s someone whom I love with all my heart? Why do I think my 2 month old should sleep as well in the daytime as she does at night? Since she does sleep so well at night, can I blame her for wanting to stay nestled in the safety, security & warmth of my arms during the day?
Jesus lived during a time without so many of our basic conveniences that we consider “necessities”. I get grossed out by the tip of my robe’s belt landing in the toilet water, but don’t realize how fortunate I am that I have a comfy robe to wear & a nice washing machine in which to clean it. Nevermind that I have a toilet with running water…what did Jesus use? How did He clean Himself? I doubt He had a warm shower, lathering up with lavender-scented body wash on a mesh pouf. Jesus wore a different kind of “Old Spice”.
Here’s a quote from the IHOP blog post I referred to: “Humility is the true fragrance of God, and it gives an effective witness for the kingdom. Our words, our attitudes, and our facial expressions must always be soaked in humility as we go out and when we’re at home. He is exalted and glorified when we choose to put on humility.” If humility is the true fragrance of God, then I stink.
How did I react when the potty mistake mess & ensuing robe belt “disaster” happened? I was frustrated; I yelled. I was definitely not soaked in humility & I taught my son how to throw the adult version of a temper tantrum. What a poor witness I was today (OK, most days) with those precious hearts entrusted to me.
Lord, I thank you for leading me to see Your truth today. I pray that beginning now, even before they wake up from their divinely appointed naps, You would continue to use the power of Your Holy Spirit to remind me of Your teachings & convict me of the example I leave for my kids. Please help me to teach them self-control in stress they encounter, resilience, & to rely upon You. May I be a woman whose children remember her, not for short temper, frustrated yelling, & pride, but for her patience, kindness, & humility. I pray You humble my heart so that I may better reveal Your character to them, leading their hearts to Yours. In Jesus’ name, amen.