Before you go thinking "Maybe they don't want him back?" I'll tell you that it won't be the first time he's called to go back and they've told him to take more time. Tim puts in more hours in a year than probably any two of the other superintendents combined. That's why the projects he's on come in early and under budget. That's why he gets all the big projects. So, when he hits a window between projects, the company makes sure he takes a break whether he likes it or not. Since he's currently snoring on the couch, I don't think it's bothering him all that much right now.
It's It's Okay Tuesday day and I'll get to that, but I want to share something from my morning devotions first. I was going to share something from a few days back about the trials we go through in life since so many I know are facing huge trials right now, but then I read today's and it was one of those times when God pretty much wacks me upside the head with a 2" x 4".
This is taken from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young:
(Bold is mine.)
Entrust your loved ones to Me; release them into My protective care. They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands. If you let a loved one become an idol in your heart, you endanger that one - as well as yourself. Remember the extreme measures I used with Abraham and Isaac. I took Isaac to the very point of death to free Abraham from son-worship. Both Abraham and Isaac suffered terribly because of the father's undisciplined emotions. I detest idolatry, even in the form of parental love.
When you release loved ones to Me, you are free to cling to My hand. As you entrust others into My care, I am free to shower blessings on them. My Presence will go with them wherever they go, and I will give them rest. This same Presence stays with you, as you relax and place your trust in Me. Watch to see what I will do.
Now, I don't know about you, but I've recognized a lot of things in life have the potential to become idols...and by idol, I mean anything that replaces God as my focus...yet, even with that definition I never, ever considered that my love for and devotion to my kids could be seen as idolatry by God and as I think of the parent-child relationships I know, I don't think many others have thought it, either.
When I think of all my daughter went through (and we with her) in the last three years, my heart nearly breaks still. There has been so much hurt and trauma...and drama. As unhappy as she was, I think I was even more miserable. If you have children, I'm sure you understand the agony of seeing your child suffer. I don't think there is any greater pain for a mother.
As a Christian, I know to pray for my children and pray for my daughter, I did. I prayed a lot. I begged God, on a regular basis, to intervene and yet it never seemed to get better. Why? Why didn't God answer my prayers? Why did my child and I (and therefore, my husband) have to suffer?
Today, as I read the words above, I got the answer to those questions. It was because God hates "idolatry even in the form of parental love." I am guilty of having been so focused on my daughter that even though I prayed, I never really let go of her and put her in God's hands. I still tried to make things better on my own. I didn't put my trust in Him. That her suffering may have been prolonged because of me is a sobering thought.
I pray that from this day, this minute, I will put my faith in God and let my children go into the most capable hands there are.
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On Tuesdays I've taken to joining in with Whispering Writer on a an idea she borrowed from Glamour Magazine. She calls it It's Okay Tuesdays. It's when we can take a moment and tell ourselves that those quirky things we think and do are...well....OKAY!HEY, IT'S OKAY...
...to have put the dog out and completely forgot about him until after the thunderstorm. I guess I have my answer about why he's suddenly afraid of thunder.
...make as much noise as you can (preferably very late at night or very early in the morning) and mumble things about the laziness of some people as you pick their nasty, unrinsed dishes out of the sink and put them in the dishwasher...two (that's 2) feet away!
...to spend way too much time reading this week. It's the last week of summer vacation, I should be relaxing.
...to want to watch Hulk Hogan's new "reality" show about midget wrestlers. Oh come on...you know you're at least curious. And Lizard Lick Towing while we're talking about stupid shows.
...to wonder how World's Dumbest... can get away with filming an obviously stoned Leif Garrett? Why aren't the cops sitting there waiting to catch him?
That's all for this week, kiddies. I've got to get dressed and head for the gym. Jake is waiting.
7 comments:
Thank you for sharing Stacy Lynn. I have never thought about putting my love for my kids before God. You have really given me something to think about.
Very interesting isight into our relationship with God/Spirit etc...I read this amazing book years ago called "When Bad Things happen to Good People" which was written by a rabbi who lost his son to some disease...he was asked constantly about the Nazi's and if God really loved people how could he let all these atrocities happen. He replied that God is a parent too and as much as "he/she" loves us, they're not omnipient and when sadness or trauma occurs God cries with us. So many people think that God gets upset with us or has left us instead of thinking that God is a loving parent and as powerful and miraculous God can be, he/she just can't control everything. I thought about that a LOT when I read that and it completely changed my relationship with God because I felt closer to God, I knew that there are just some things out of my control and when pain happens with myself or my loved ones, what I need to do is to feel God's loving presence as a parent and give me the faith that I will survive whatever shook me up and that God does love me...
Have fun with Jake! And thanks for sharing this insight ... even though it made me cry! Love you!
Rochelle...I'd say most of us fall into that category. I think if I've thought about it at all the thought's been that I'm being a good mother and that's God's will. I NEVER considered that it could be a stumbling block.
Wendy...I remember that book being a huge hit. I never read it, though. I think he had a couple more, too. I disagree with his thinking. I believe God is ALWAYS in control, that we just don't always like the answer He gives. Sometimes the answer is no. We live in a fallen world so there is sin and all the consequences of that sin...be it disease, famine, war, crime, etc. God forgives us for our sins, but he doesn't take away the consequences. We are still in this world and have to deal with them. And God does bring good out of the bad...there are lessons to be learned. Our hope is in the next life, not this one. You might actually do well (and enjoy) a practice that I've adopted over the years. During my prayer time I'll often picture Jesus sitting there with me and my prayer becomes a conversation with him. It's like meeting with a dear friend and I always end up being able to feel that love in a more tangible way. :)
Beth...Jake was great. An evil little surfer dude, but I like him anyway. lol Sorry my post made you cry. I have to admit as I was writing it I wondered if there was anything in it for you? Love you, too. :)
Thank you for this post.
I have loved our oldest son too much and am reaping the rewards.
He is at home, at age 30, and although he has lived away a few times I don't see that happening soon.
Michelle...it really hits home, doesn't it?
I love this. I love it in the magazine and I love your version too.
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