Do you have animals? We have an abundance of them! There are 5 outdoor cats, 4 dogs, 3 parakeets, and then 19 chickens! With ownership of these animals comes the responsibility of taking care of them. This can be a daunting task, at times.
One of the issues we have in our home is that our children want us to buy these pets, but when it comes down to the nitty gritty of taking care of them, they are suddenly uninterested. This is quite frustrating from a mothers perspective. What happened to the promise they made right before purchasing them, "Oh Mommy, I PROMISE I'll help take care of this pet". They even get specific, "I'll walk him even in the rain." So where are they now? What happened to those little helpful hands? Are they liars? NO! They just didn't realize how much work it would actually be.
In an effort to build character, we do hold them accountable to taking care of the animals. They take turns getting up early to feed and water the chickens, and they take turns walking and feeding the dogs. We want them to learn that when you take on a new responsibility, it is going to require hard work and perseverance.
Aren't we like that with God? Don't we love to make the upfront promises, "Just bless my ministry, God. I'll be so faithful to you if you just give me a bigger ministry." Like my children, we often find ourselves overwhelmed at the new responsibility that comes with a bigger ministry.
That's how I've felt lately. God has given me a new calling to write this year. I started out so excited, ready to work on this no matter how late at night it was. But now...... Now that it's down to the hard work of editing and submitting, I'm feeling weary! I'm finding myself procrastinating, saying things like, "life is just too busy right now", or "I'm not in the mood to write today."
In an effort to build character in me, God has been prompting me to get busy with this ministry no matter how I feel, and no matter how busy I am.
My 12 year old daughter fights us the hardest when it comes to waking up early to take care of the chickens. You see, she likes to stay up late at night and sleep in. This was the week that my husband and I decided to wake her up, attitude and all, and teach her how to take care of the chickens.
The first morning was hard, and she did a little stomping around while she worked. Tuesday was different. As we were taking care of the chickens, listening to the glorious sounds of the morning, feeling the warm glow of the rising sun, we had a precious moment. She forgot how tired she was and she stood there with me enjoying the chickens. We ended up petting them and talking about the silly things they do for almost 30 extra minutes! It was a sweet time, a bonding time for us.
I am going to submit 2 articles next week. No matter how busy my life is, I feel like God is telling me that next week is the deadline for me. I am excited, now. I am looking forward to having a bonding moment with God through this. I hope to have a day when I just linger with Him and share in the little things that make me (and Him) smile.
Where are you in your life today? Are you in the promise making mode, or are you in the throws of responsibility that seems overwhelming? No matter where you are, press on and look for some bonding moments with your heavenly Father.
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7 comments:
Okay, it's in writing - two articles! I can't wait to hear how it goes.
My oldest & I have started getting up early to walk together. The first two mornings she sprung out of bed. Today - grumble. But we had a fine walk and are basking in some time alone together as well.
Isn't God grand?
Oh, I love the new look of your blog! (Have to tell you that I love chickens, too. Even though they're dirty and smelly, I know.) Last night I spent 6 hours working on a submission. I'm right there with ya. Great post.
Thank you for the attitude check on our promises as earlier this AM I was wishing away our last two nights of VBS. I needed this boost to remind me of my promise that is for God's purpose! You are a dear!
Taking care of my youngest has been overwhelming this week. She's a little autistic, and it's hard to know when she's progressing forward (when it seems like she's progressing backward!). I have to remember that since she doesn't do everything at an age-appropriate level, that, sometimes, she is at that age where "inappropriateness" is to be "expected." Not a fun time, though!
Yes...there will be bonding moments, but in the midst of the "rocks" (to borrow a phrase from CK's blog today), it's easy to forget that.
Discernment of the Spirit becomes so important for you as you take on these new responsibilities. As you continue on in His Word, remaining in His presence, He will clearly guide you as to when to write and when to rest. (A time for this and a time for that, as you have posted previously.)
Thanks, Sonya!
Love this post! Our calling boils down to one little word w-o-r-k. Not too glamorous, sometimes tedious, often just doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done.
I came home from California with lots of new deadlines and some new assignments as well. Deadlines are a good thing- I have to keep reminding myself. But again, it translates to working- no excuses.
As I work I'm going to be looking for those bonding moments with my Father. But for today I'm still in recovery mode from my trip. I promised myself two days to do nothing, no work, and I'm sticking to it!
Wowzer, that's a lot of animals! What an incredible analogy, though...beautiful post.
Hi, Sonya! Thanks for being my blog friend. I loved this blog! As I head off today to "work", I will be anxiously looking for sweet bonding moments with my heavenly father!
P.S. It so awesome that you homeshcool! I was homeschooled my whole school career minus first grade!
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