Monday, October 13, 2008

The Long Day


(We took this of the top of the Duomo in Florence...an appropriate picture for this post, or so I think)

It’s been a long day. I am discouraged. My children have been disobedient. I feel like a failure. There have been a few occasions, during which, I had to use extreme self-control to keep from falling apart (or, more accurately, screaming at my disobedient children). I had to wait to discipline so that I could discipline in love, not anger. Then I disciplined. Afterward, I was told my spankings don’t really hurt.

My children are in their beds right now. T3 is sleeping. MW is talking to herself. I am tired. I feel discouraged.

I have prayed. I have spilled my heart to my Father. I have soaked up His word. I opened my verse pack and read Psalm 27 and was reminded of Whose I am. The Lord is my strength. I will be confident. He will keep me safe in His dwelling. He will hide me in His tabernacle. He will set me high upon a rock. Your face, Lord, I will seek. Do not hide Your face from me…You have been my helper. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart. I will wait for the Lord.

Change my heart, O God.

And now I am blasting Come Weary Saints while I finish my afternoon chores.

It has been a “Come Weary Saints” day...as long as You are glorified.

Shall I take from Your hand Your blessings, yet not welcome any pain?
Shall I thank You for days of sunshine, yet grumble in days of rain?
Shall I love You in times of plenty, then leave You in days of drought?
Shall I trust when I reap the harvest, but when winter winds blow, then doubt?

Oh let Your will be done in me in Your love I will abide.
Oh I long for nothing else as long as You are glorified.

Are You good only when I prosper?
And true only when I’m filled.
Are You King only when I’m carefree?
And God only when I’m well?

You are good when I’m poor and needy.
You are true when I’m parched and dry.
You still reign in the deepest valley.
You’re still God in the darkest night.

So quiet my restless heart. Quiet my restless heart. Quiet my restless heart in You.

2 comments:

  1. Psalm 27 is on my refrigerator!! I miss you and so many others! I just saw Jennifer R this weekend. I enjioyed getting to hug her neck. So when can I put up your family so that you can visit the ATL? Hey it's not Italy but we sure love you guys!
    Will has a sign that he made over his desk. "I wish that the world had no sin". You are a good Mom seeking strength from the right place. So until Will's wish comes true at glory, onward Christian soldier Mom!
    I'm a blog slacker and hope to post again soon....

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  2. You are such an example to so many others. Mother, wife, sister, friend...I want to be just like you when I grow up!! :)

    And Miss MW gets that little tude from her Aunt K...I recall telling mom that her spanking didn't hurt. You know the rest...

    I LOVE YOU

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