Sharon Jaynes shared an analogy of a mother's mind being that of a brick wall. It takes many blocks to make a brick wall, not just few, but many. She refers to this analogy in disciplining your child.
I think it can be that way with our thoughts too. The Great Doubter can put just a single doubt of our ability into our head. Your thought of failing at something (doubt) becomes confirmed after you failed at that something. Brick number one. If you don't remove that brick, through prayer and scripture, it becomes a foundation for other bricks throughout the day. It seems that with parenting, the bricks can stack up quicker by the minute, so that by the end of the day you see the wall of Jericho. I've built many a wall many a day.
I'm trying to train myself, and it is a long process, to see failure for God's purposes. If I have tried and failed I need to turn to God and His word for promises, encouragement and strength.
A wonderful friend shared on her blog her struggles being a stay at home wife. Her words brought tears to my eyes because it is something that I struggle with as well. It is a daunting task being that of a stay at home wife and mother. Society now places a scale on marriage, I think, to see who adds up and who doesn't. Marriage is not a scale trying to strike a balance of 50/50. Marriage, and ultimately the family, is 100% both ways with no measurements or tally sheets. When I have the temptation to list off 'Who's more important' I sometimes give in to that temptation and make a tally sheet for Eric and I. Surprisingly I find that God reveals things to me that I could not see/chose not to see before and I come away much more humbled, but also encouraged that I have great purpose.
As mothers we are blessed with the opportunity, however challenging, of caring for GOD'S CHILDREN while they are here on earth. It is our job to prepare them for what He has called them to do. In the here and now, our sons will be leaders of their families and thus teaching their children the things we are teaching to them. Our daughters will become those that their children will look to for their preparation to one day meet our King. Just these few sentences, however poorly understated, are enough to build The Great Wall of doubt. Praise God and merciful is He to provide many things to accomplish these tasks and the grace in which to do it.
It is nearly 8am and I've been sitting here for over an hour and my mind is spent. Though I would like this blog to be written a little better, I will post it anyway because I'm sure I will not find the time to return today. We are attempting to make our first snow fort. I'll be sure to take the camera.
3 comments:
Just remember that you are loved from God on high to those of us down here on earth. And remember that our mistakes are covered by God, and He uses them for good. So grateful to call you 'daughter.'
Thank you so much for sharing this Jean Marie....it is truly difficult to not let that wall of doubt build. This is something I struggle with and it is comforting to know that I am not the only one...Praise God for his faitfulness and for blessing us with his children here on Earth. You are an amazing woman, wife and mother Jean Marie!
I really appreciated this post, as you know, this has been on my mind a great deal. I like the analogy you shared about a brick wall and building a foundation for doubt. I also got a "hmmm" moment when you said we should see failure for God's purposes.
You have a wealth of insight and I feel very uplifted by your post. Thanks!
Oh-and I think it was written wonderfully. ;-)
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