“Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15).
The children’s ministries at our church are having all the children memorize the book of Philippians. Last week’s verse was above. “Now that’s a good one for my kids to hide in their hearts,” I thought. Complaints in my house run the whole spectrum. “I hate spinach. School is boring. We never get to do anything fun.”
But it soon became apparent that many of the gripes were coming from my own heart. “I’m tired of being disrespected. I wish homeschooling is easier. My children never listen to me.” And the verse that I thought was just perfect for my grumbling children was the very one that needed to pierce my heart this week.
“It’s that time of year,” everyone seems to say. Tis the season of colds, coughs, flu, and other sicknesses. And, our household was hit with all of the above this past week. I wish I could say I’m such a devoted wife and mother, who nursed her family back to health, even at the sacrifice of her own. Sadly, I have a lot of selfishness that needs to be dealt with. And, The Lord saw fit to purge it out of me by allowing our whole family, myself included, to get sick.
Towards the end of our week of quarantine, God mercifully granted me ears to hear myself complaining, and my whining bore a strong resemblance to the complaints of my own children, the very ones I have rebuked them about over and over again. Thankfully, before I saw the bottom of the box of tissues, The Lord gave me eyes to see the immense log obstructing my own view, while I thought I was doing well, removing the microscopic specks out of my children’s eyes. I did not treat my children with the grace that I have been given. The Lord Himself did not roll His eyes in exasperation at my failures. While my patience towards my children was reduced to tiny droplets, I experienced the abundant showers of God’s patience towards me.
During this most challenging week, The Lord has multiplied His tender mercies and lovingkindness towards me. From my self-made pedestal of supermom, God brought me low, showing me I needed to learn the same lessons as my children.
Now I can say, it was a good week.
(Photo credit 1: Micah Taylor)
(Photo credit 2: rosipaw)
So sorry to hear you were all feeling the flu 😦 Noticing ourselves in God’s “mirror” can be a great remedy, though… for whatever ails us! 🙂 ❤
Everyone is feeling better. But there is that lingering cough and cold.
I appreciate your transparency. I, too, have had to repent of grumbling and complaining, of murmuring like the Israelites in the wilderness. I am so grateful for the Lord’s long suffering and grace. Thank you for the reminder. 🙂
I’m thankful that His love for us is not swayed by our grumblings. His steadfast love is what causes us to see how foolish all our complaining is.
Amen. 🙂
It’s hard to admit, but I’ve had to repent myself for the very things I’ve scolded my children for. Thankfully God is gentle with us when he gives us correction.
Yes, that’s where God finally humbled me … when I saw how patient and gentle He was with me. He is good!
Reblogged this on The Shepherd's Presence and commented:
Here is a blog after my own heart!
I feel very compelled to reblog this on my site. I hope you don’t mind. Now, a grandmother, still, I remember those days when I had to stop and scold myself for the very things my children were doing.
Thank you for sharing this on your site! God bless you!
You are welcome.
beautiful. Sending love your way tonight, dear sister!
Thank you! Grace and peace to you!