Reflecting on God’s Will
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
The company has gone home. The leftovers have been divided between the families. Photos have been taken (against the kids’ wishes). Memories were shared and…in some cases, corrected. You’re still pondering: ‘where did the years go?’
Chances are most mothers reflected on difficult times with their children. Let’s be honest, there were periods that you wondered how you would ever survive—let alone them. The days were filled with tattling, spilling, fighting, arguing, rebelling and nothing short of debilitating headaches. But God gave you a directive: Give thanks in all circumstances. Did you? Oh, probably not! I’m sure that all mothers have cried out to Him at some point in sheer frustration and total exhaustion. But did you thank Him?
If you have children, it was God’s will for you. He knew your family before the first star was hung in the night sky. Now that is a powerful yet awesome thought!
He knew the early years would take strength and patience. I can now laugh and say that is why we have kids when we are younger. As a grandmother, I cannot keep up. While I love to have them visit, I look forward to a quiet house again (as does Gabby, the cat).
When life is hectic and days are filled with all kinds of activities, where does your strength come from? Some will just bulldoze their way through each event. Others will pick and choose the most important stuff. Occasionally, there will be a heroic mother who never seems to get upset about anything. She wears a smile that seems genuine. She doesn’t often discipline her children (at least in public) and has that light-hearted appearance. Who is this woman?
Maybe she has learned the skill of having Jesus as a parenting partner (as well as her earthly partner). Giving thanks is an antidote to frustration and anger. Does she give thanks for her children and tell them how grateful she is to have had them—even in the midst of chaos?
Reflecting on God’s will stirs up all kinds of emotions as a mother. There will always be moments of self-doubts and regrets; but God gave us a gift(s), In His infinite wisdom, He gave us children.
It is right to give thanks in all circumstances.
Gracious Father, thank You for including children in Your plan for our lives. While we are not always the best mothers, You lovingly walk beside us and show us the way. Help us to be grateful in ALL circumstances. AMEN.