Family—A Wonderful Plan

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127:3

I have three kids. Two of them are my own. I love my stepdaughter, and I count her, too. They’re precious. Now, there have been days when thankfulness for them hasn’t flown automatically from my heart to God’s or to the kids. Can you relate?

Right now, Ray is impatient for his seasonal job at a nursery to begin. He calls me every morning, usually interrupting as I say hello: “I’ve missed three days this week!” I remind him of his start date, then I change the subject, or at least I try. That’s the way it is with my son, who has special needs. Sometimes no amount of convincing works. I am thankful that this will be Ray’s ninth year working part-time at the nursery. A real job in the community isn’t easy to come by for people like Ray. The rest of the year he puts together parts for garbage disposals at a sheltered workshop. He likes that too.

Kellyn is a pistol, always has been. I love her just the way the Lord created her. She’s employed in logistics, a perfect fit. She and Robert have a son who is 21 (already?) and a daughter in high school. Grans are great!

Aimee gave Steve and me two grans—a grandson who is learning new skills in a program for high school graduates, and a granddaughter who is in high school. We’re proud of them and appreciate their folks’ loving care and hard work providing for them.

We love our kids and their families and count our blessings ton by ton. Our hearts and photo albums overflow with cherished memories.

If you’re not a mom, I hope you connect with nieces and nephews or neighbor kids. There are likely kids to fill your cup at your church. Children’s church gives me chances to spend time with kids, teaching them that Jesus loves them.

Maybe church isn’t your thing. Foster kids are aching for parents, and boys’ and girls’ clubs always need volunteers.  I could go on about vacation Bible school as well as soccer and baseball teams. Anyone can be like a mom to someone.

Thank You, Lord for my mom. She cared for my seven siblings and me better than most moms care for one or two children. I miss Mom and wish I could spend the day with her this Sunday. Instead, I’ll take time to look at photo albums and reminisce for a while. I’m happy to be part of a loving family.

What a wonderful Creator God is! Families were His idea, and I’m grateful for mine. Enjoy your Mother’s Day however and with whomever you spend it.

He’s Got You Covered

There are some new guests outside our apartment building. Two sets of Canada geese, each with a brood of goslings, wander around eating grass and swimming in the pond and lake behind us. The males hiss if my dog, Lexi and I get too close, as the females lead the goslings toward the water. The broods are well-protected by the adults.

The geese families remind me of the picture painted by Psalm 91. “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress… He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge,”

Is work stressful? Do your days feel long? Are there nights when fear stops your sleep? Our God promises to keep us safe in His care, offering refuge in times of need. He’s got us covered!

Joy and Purpose

Sunrise from our window

As I continued studying the Sermon on the Mount yesterday, cross-references led me to Psalm 27:4-5:

One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

The phrase “all the days of my life” brought me up short. I felt aggravated about things that were out of my control. A person wanted their way, and they wouldn’t take no for an answer. So be it—they got their way, and I found it frustrating.

Though someone’s actions got on my nerves, every day I may ask the Lord if I may dwell in His house. In His presence. By the power of the Holy Spirit in me. God’s comforting presence prevailed after the conviction subsided. I drew close to Him again.

When situations and reactions force me to see my human failings, when I am reminded of my sinful nature that wants to rule (but won’t, by grace and faith), I remember my purpose. It is revealed in these verses: to see God’s beauty, to live in awareness of His presence, and seek to be closer to Him by gazing at His beauty. In her book, Revelations of Divine Love, Julian of Norwich writes, “We love our Maker and seek Him, praise Him, and thank Him, and endlessly enjoy Him.” My prayer: Lord, may I enjoy You today and all the days of my life.