Tales of a Thankful Mom

             My youngest daughter is the one who most closely resembles me. We are both petite, have naturally curly hair and are similar in personality and interests. She is my little mini me. As I think about how my daughter resembles me, I am reminded that I want to resemble my Savior. I am so thankful that Jesus is our perfect example. I need to dig into God’s word, and talk with Him daily in prayer to keep my eyes on Him. The idea of leading by example reminds me of the Sanctus Real. This song is from the perspective of a father, but it also greatly encourages me as a single mom. Do you resemble any of your family members? I would love to read your thoughts in the comments.

            I don’t have time for this. I admit that is usually my first thought when I am told that I need to recuperate whether it be from an illness, an injury or child birth. I don’t like being told to stay in bed especially if I can hear the sound of my children giggling down the hall. I want to know what the people I love are doing. I do not want to be left out. I don’t like the feeling of life moving on without me. I need to remember times of recuperation are so important. If I do not get enough rest, exhaustion will catch up with me. I can’t outrun stress or sadness. I need to turn these feelings over to God. I need to take time to breathe. What are some things that you like to do to recuperate.

           When I first started my moving forward journey, I did not want to be quiet or timid any more. I had spent the past several years walking on eggshells. During that time sharing an opinion could be dangerous and not good for my health. When I found freedom from that situation, I learned how to share my opinion, and I did not want to feel like my opinion was repressed ever again. As the years have passed, I have realized that it is not always a good idea to share my opinion. To quote a popular phrase, “The world is changed by my example not my opinion.” I want my example to be love. Love is peaceable. I want to be peaceable whether it be with my family or anyone I may meet

            A unexpected gift of moving forward was deciding to be curious about the world around and my own thoughts and preferences again. My counselor encouraged me to try new things and to explore learning what I liked and didn’t like. I had just came out of a period of repressing my feelings and opinions. I needed to revel in the fact that it was acceptable to have an opinion and that my opinion mattered. My counselor also encouraged me to be observant of whenever I had a strong emotion, to ask myself why when I felt scared, angry or sad. Once I figured out the reason, I felt that way I could determine if that emotion was still an accurate response for my current circumstances, and I could prayerfully release that emotion to God. I feel peaceful when I am observant of the world around me, and what is going on inside of my mind and my heart. 

            One part of moving forward that I have struggled with the most is that I never want to forget what I have experienced. I am afraid if I forget the lessons that this journey has taught that I might repeat the mistakes that I made. The lessons I learned came at a high price not just for me, but also my family. I never want to make those same mistakes again. I also don’t want to dwell in the past. I don’t want to camp there. I don’t belong there. This is the reason that I chose moving forward as my phrase for 2021. Moving forward does not deny that the past happened. Moving forward means that I can remember that Jesus is my anchor and that I am no longer chained to my past.                      

           When I decide that I want to do something I often first tell my mom. My Mom will give me advice and often help me plan whatever I am trying to do. I have found it helpful in this quest to move forward that telling others that I am moving forward is a beneficial first step in moving forward. I have learned over the last four years that I need my community. I need my tribe. I have received so much encouragement just by sharing story with others. I also hope that in sharing my story with others that God may use my story to honor Him. Is there anything that you need to profess today?

 “So Ruth went and picked up the leftover grain in a field after the reapers; and she happened to stop at the plot of land belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.” ‭‭Ruth‬ ‭2:3          I love how in the Bible story of Ruth that Ruth just happened to go to Boaz’s field. It reminds me that I just happened to start attending a church whose members God would use to save my life. Members of my church years after I first began attending rescued me from a dangerous domestic violence situation, and reunited me and my children with my parents and extended family. I have found this to be true in my life. “Before Zacheus needed to see Jesus, God planted a tree. I don’t think this should be called serendipity. This is grace. It is all grace. What are some ways that you have seen God’s grace in your life?