More Life Lessons

The last couple of days have been great. The kids have enjoyed playing together with very minimal arguing, which used to be a rarity but has recently become more common than not. Yesterday, I received an encouraging word from my husband about how well I was doing, myself, calling me "amazing"...that really lifted my spirits. I have been noticing the immense connection between my own attitude, behavior, and mood with that of my two young shadows, and realizing it has more to do with me than them. Oh. Ok, so what does that mean? Yes, I need to take a long look in the mirror, and search in the inner depths of my heart into that dark place where I have never dared to go to see what may be lurking that is trying to steal, kill and destroy. So, what have I found you ask? Ah, so you want to know my dirty little secrets! Well...I am not going to give you every little detail! But, I will say this: I have got some big changes to make that will only be possible by the grace of God. And, I am still learning, and God is and will continue to show me areas that need improving. But, as I grow in Him, He is helping me to see this as a good thing because He is shaping me into the person He wants me to be. I am not satisfied with standing still; I want to grow, and change, and move mountains! I want Jesus to work in and through me; I want to become more like Him, and I want to be who He intended me to be. For me, this means being the wife, mother and friend that He made me to be; it means raising up children of godly character who will love and serve the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. It means teaching them about God, and the world He made around them. It means submitting to my husband, and not just when it is easy, convenient, or fitting to do so. It means encouraging my husband and children, building them up and creating an atmosphere of peace and love and joy. It means being HIS hands and feet, loving at all times, being a light in this dark world. It means praying, even when I can't find the words, and always giving thanks. It means never giving up, pressing forward when the world says to quit. It does NOT mean to never fail, never make a mistake, never struggle, or never fall. It means that when I do, I get right back up and take another step forward.