1 John 3:1-3
I am a sinner. Though Christ lives in me, I mess up everyday. This week has been particularly a more difficult week. I have not loved Owen & Eden as I should; in fact, I have been impatient & harsh at times. I have cried most of the days this week. One day, I felt like the best thing for me to do for my family would be to run away.
Then something amazing happened.
Jon cancelled some plans yesterday and allowed me to go find a quiet place in the house to pray. So I went our bathroom (the only place in the house where you can't hear anyone) and talked with God about it awhile. God has refreshed me with His love for me. Yesterday, he reminded me through Psalm 61:2 that He can "Lead me to the rock that is higher than I." And all day long, when my amount of love had ended he reminded that through His grace I could love more. When my patience ended, He could bring me more patience. When I thought I wasn't going to make it, He could carry me.
Then this morning I read the passage in 1 John 3:1-3. And, oh my goodness, I am so thankful for His love for me. Because of Jesus' death on the cross, I can stand before God as "holy & perfect". However, while we are still on earth we still have our natural body and don't live out the perfection that Jesus has given us. Which bring us back to what I was saying at the beginning of how depraved I am and how much I need Jesus daily. This verse gave me such hope in remembering that He is not done transforming me. The woman I was this week doesn't have to be the woman I'm going to be next week, next year or next decade. I am His masterpiece and He is still working out my character to look more like Him. What I may be has not yet appeared but when I see Him one day I will be like Him and oh what a glorious day that will be!
Here are some pictures of Owen & Eden just because I know you love them. :)
Jen, I'm so proud of your honesty and vulnerability. Being a mom is hard. And just because so many women do it, doesn't mean it's not so very hard! Thankful that Jon, in all of his awesome husbandness, took the initiative to give you some time to yourself. We all need that! Thanks for the reminder of who we are in Christ and the fact that his resurrection means hope, not just for our eternal life, but for our life here and now. Love you!
ReplyDeleteIt is always an amazing that we can keep growing and changing and becoming more Christ-like. I totally understand not being a loving mom and how just a few minutes with the LORD can turn things around. Loved seeing you this morning! Keep your head up and eyes on the Lord!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Jenny! I had to apologize to Charlotte today, as well, for being short with her because of my own personal frustrations. You are such a good example to your children - especially in that your relationship with God is what enables you to live a godly life. You do such a great job of being open and honest, even about things that are tough to be honest about. I'm excited for your kids to have a mom like you because you do a great job of modeling the difference between a religion and a relationship. Thanks again for posting this!!
ReplyDeleteJenny your post is so refreshing!!! Although I don't want to say its GOOD to hear that other mom's struggle, I will say it is comforting to hear that I'm not alone in being imperfect! There are days, sometimes weeks that I think I'm the worst mom ever. Your post is such a great reminder of who we are in Christ despite our flesh. Thanks for sharing your life in a way that is so encouraging.
ReplyDeleteJenny, your transparency throughout your parenting journey serves as such an example to even us single folk. You and Jon continue to greatly bless my life with the example you set. Thanks!
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