Sweet Service

Lunchtime. I'm rushing around the room making mental checklists as I go. Salt and pepper on the table? Check. Sippy cups filled? Check. Mayo on John's sandwich? Check. Two-year-old Jesse suddenly asks, "Are you going to sit down with us, Momma?" Flashback forty years: From my earliest dining memories on up to my days of adulthood, I would get annoyed that my mom was not eating with us. In fact, it became an outright frustration to us three kids who felt that their mother never joined them at the table. I'm sorry, mom. I think I've finally figured it out: you weren't sitting because you were serving. "She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband, also, and he praises her." (Proverbs 31:27-28)

Worldly Sorrow

Sadness swallows me, and I sink down into its dark belly. There the silence surrounds me except for the thoughts of sin that swirl about in my mind. Why does he do that? Sinner. Why do I respond that way? Sinner. Will things ever change? Not completely; we'll always be sinners until the Lord brings us home. Why does it sadden me so? I'm afraid it is not so much because of the affront that sin is against a holy God, but because it brings suffering into my own life. Lord, as I meditate on this maddening cycle of sin, let my sorrow not be wordly sorrow, and let my goal not be my own gladness. No, let my goal be Your great glory. "Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me." (Micah 7:8)

Remembering Him

Arms that cradle, calming fears. Hands that hold, wiping tears. Lips that kiss, voicing cheers. As I freely give love to my daughters, I realize that these days will be forgotten by them. They will not remember the constant care and concern from their mother and father in the early days of their lives. How much have I forgotten of the love that has been shown to me by my Father? He created my inmost being and knit me together in my mother's womb. Before He even formed me, He knew me. He has kept my heart beating and supplies every breath that I breathe. He saved me, opening my eyes and ears to His Truth. Oh, Lord, I have forgotten much. May I remember the wondrous works You have done and the whole way that You have led me. May I remember You, keeping Your commands, walking in Your ways, and fearing You, for You have brought me, Lord. You have brought me. (Deuteronomy 8)