One of my favorite quotes is by Mother Teresa, "We can not all do great things, but we can do small things with great love". At first I took offense to the great things part. But now I interpret it as we are not all professional athletes, politicians, movie stars, or business tycoons. Its easy for those people in those "great" positions to influence the many, and that is wonderful. Also I may not get to do "great things" like travel, volunteer, make the big bucks myself...all the things that when others are doing I look at say, wow. But I am doing what God designed me to be. If I cancel out the noise of this world, and focus on what I have in my life and show the world His love...well I think God will say "well done"..."great job". My daily world is my family and there are many small tasks that fill up each day giving me the opportunity to do them with great love. Change diapers, make dinner, snuggle, read books, discipline, kiss scrapped knees, play on the floor with toys...really the opportunities are endless if I am patient. The job as a Mom is so hard because you always think you can and should be doing better or more, so you hurry or multi task. Your not in the moment and then love doesn't always shine through.
There is a song by Matt Redman and these lyrics just can't get out of my head, "You're rich in love and you're slow to anger. Your name is great and your heart is kind. For all your goodness I will keep on signing, Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find". I find such comfort knowing that my God unconditionally loves me, is slow to get angry with me, and so very kind. I screw up all the time every day, but that is type of love my Father gives me for no reason but that I am His child and I love Him. As a parent am I not supposed to mirror that love on Earth? What a gift to give my children, my husband, family and friends. It's hard, takes discipline, being conscious of my actions and basically the need to get over myself. Even my best efforts though may go unappreciated or unnoticed. But its not "others" I am working for so I shouldn't focus on their accolades. . My work, right now as a Mom, is for the Lord and I memorized this verse, "Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than people" (Ephesians 6:7).
There is my reflection and challenge from Valentine's Day 2013: To be present parent; loving in all opportunities with a patient, unselfish and kind heart; praising the Lord not looking for praise myself.
No comments:
Post a Comment