Joy unwrapped

Soaring on swings

Wide smiles.

Blue skies.

These are the gifts God pours upon my life.

My heart is giddy,

my joy swells within me.

I cherish these gifts;

I thank the Lord.

I watch them skip and play

as I nurse the smallest of our clan,

and I praise Him.

Oh, this ministry of motherhood

ministers more to my soul than theirs, I know.

He breathes life into my ministry

It's so easy to forget.
To get caught up in the here and now and tomorrows and yesterdays.
To focus on the to-do's and the not-quite-done's and the that-needs-to-be-redone's.
It's easy to see the coloring pages ripped from their books, shoes scattered, crumbs sprinkled, toys littering the floor. Easy to get side tracked by the chores and the lessons and the errands.

And then it seems like, when God whispers, it's an interruption.
I'm like a child, ever distracted by things that sparkle.
And all that sparkles is not gold, my dear self.

This- my home, my children, my husband- this is my ministry.  But sometimes I get so focused on my ministry that I lose focus of my God. I lose sight of all the God-moments and the God-gifts and the God-whisperings, and the God-leadings because I'm trying to do it all myself, forgetting that it is God who not only breathes life into my babies but breathes life into this ministry.  Into me.

God fills up this space

Rewind. Replay.
Her labor, birth, and events following reel through my mind.

Time dissolves. The world outside of this little room ceases to exist. Just five people- one of those a very tiny, struggling life- and God filling up this space.

A prayer I can't even speak. The Holy Spirit says it for me, and I believe. I know, and I see it as if it has already happened, accept it as truth.  I'm crying, but not tears of fear or sadness.  These are tears of joy, relief.

I am not alone. I do not have to rely on my own strength.
He stands with me. Arms that stretch out nail pieced hands wrap around me, and I feel safe. I know no fear. It doesn't even cross my path.

I witness love, abundant love, working seamlessly, fulfilling the promise He revealed in a dream to my husband.  I AM.

I AM here.
Cry out to Me, and I will answer.

And the heart beats.
And the baby breathes.
And the Hallelujah rings in my ears for God filled up this space.

Soak it in and Pour it out

Soak it in and pour it out.
Snuggle, cuddle, comfort. Whisper, sway, and sing.
This is one of the phases of the ministry of motherhood.

Dear self, don't let it fly by without truly tasting and enjoying.
Bow to take in the scent of your newborn baby, often.
Memorize her little fingers, count her little toes.
Often.
Pull her close.
Breathe her in.
Watch her sleep.
Thank the Lord,
Often.

For this is your ministry, mother.
To nurse, to hold, to comfort.
Each diaper change an act of love,
Like the washing of feet.
Never mind the sleepless nights,
The weariness that comes.
Relish each moment.
Use each to its fullest.

This phase is ever fleeting;
A new one will come.
Enjoy each step along the way.
And pray,
Often.