Thirteen years ago tonight my sweet husband and I were just starting our lives together as man and wife. Happy Anniversary to us!!
We just returned from a great date at a favorite restaurant, courtesy of our loving parents ($$) and the Stout family (childcare!). But as we neared home, I realized (for the upteenth time) that this season of the year never reflects the "Silent Night" of Christmas I wish for. This year, as in many before, we are serving in different capacities that are stretching us far and wide. Host and Hostess to my parents and brother who will be staying several days with us, Music Director/Assistant for the church Christmas Musical (I'm still trying to figure out my role there!) which will keep us busy for many hours this weekend, and then the normal roles of mommy/daddy, husband/wife, schoolteacher, cook, maid, personal shopper,...I'll stop now! And I hear my voice over and over "I just can't do it all..." And the Lord is quick to remind me, "No, you can't. Not by might, nor by power, but by MY Spirit!" But that requires faith, and faith is trusting God for what is humanly impossible. "The evidence of things not seen..." Hebrews says. Well the evidence of things not seen is what I am praying for this week!
Ironically, (Providentially, no doubt) my oldest daughter's bible verse to memorize for her school curriculum this week is "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest." Matthew. I've known the truth in that verse many times over in my life. It's the "come to me" part that sometimes gets squeezed out when we are busy...too busy to sit and wait on God. It feels like a luxury to wait upon the Lord in a busy time. Yet, I don't know that our rest comes until we humble our heart long enough to put all the demands aside and seek the Lord. A quiet heart is a humble heart. Oh, help Lord! Today I quickly read from Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening" then a Psalm and a few "thought prayeers." But quickly went on to start accomplishing things. And I've been running all day. I missed my "waiting" time so much, but felt I couldn't stop long enough to have it. Perhaps others can exist like that, but I don't want to. Help me Lord-- not to lose sight of You this week...to have "No other gods" before you. To be utterly dependent. My earnest prayer. Thank you for 13 years with my sweet husband!
8 comments:
Hi, I've been reading your post but haven't commented. So thought I'd introduce myself.
When I read this I thought "oh how I relate"! Trying to find that balance of being too "busy" and doing what I know God has called me to do gets fuzzy. It will always be fuzzy if I"m not going before Him, spending time with Him, and asking Him what it is that HE wants me to accomplish this day. It is about humility...admitting that I can do nothing and my plans aren't important it's God will and strength I must pursue.
Thank you so much for a reminder that it needed DAILY! :=)
Happy Anniversary! 13 years! Wow! That's so great.
Anway, that's good that you are recognizing your need for Him even if it doesn't look like you'll get the time you need or want with Him. That's his grace making itself evident in your life Kristin. And there is abundant, inexhaustible grace available to you from God that is 24/7/365-no expiration or blackout dates.
God is good isn't he? :)
Must run! My parents are coming this weekend and I have my own stuff to do before they come.
love ya!
Hi Kristin, Congrats to you and Keith on your 13th Anniversary!
Oh how we need to remember it's not our own strength or will that's important or that gets us through these hectic times. Unfortunately I don't really know or have experienced the craziness of Christmas and responsibilities of children, but I do know that even without children it can get pretty hairy. That's why we do need to try to do as much quiet time with our "BEST FRIEND" as we can even with the craziness around us. Even though we may not think of it in the middle of the business of Christmas, it really does make it easier to deal with when we spend the time with our Lord!
Hopefully I will know some day the wonderful part of having children during Christmas and all other times.
Love
Tina :.)
Happy Anniversary to two of my favorite people! 13 years is WONDERFUL....one of our best years! We love you guys- Nova
Hi Kristen. I just found your blog.
Happy New Year. And by the way I wanted you to know how much I appreciated the worship time on Christmas Eve. Your harmonies with Keith blended so beautifully and sounded lovely as well as your skillful playing. And thanks to for the work you and Keith did for the musical. What a gift your family is to Crossway. Hip hip hooray!
carol joy
I'm so blessed to call you my friend! Can't wait for some time together with you and Keith--to catch up and just hang out again (no "drama" involved!).
I love you!
Julie
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