Many blocks to build a house

Ever feel like you just don't measure up? That when you look at the other moms, women, daughters, wives, etc, that you never are at the level of others? That there is always someone who is better at cleaning house, who juggles the duties of mommy-hood, who seems more Christ-like, fill in the blank?

 

I will admit that I feel this way often. And even though I try to act like I don't, I more often than not, feel like I am just sub par compared to others.

 

Tonight we had a board meeting and my husband gave a good devotion. He shared this scripture:

 

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God

and precious to him—  you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual

house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God

through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:4&5

 



He then shared that we are all block used in building the kingdom of God. And like blocks, we all come in different sizes and are used for different needs. He encouraged us to not look at ourselves and judge others or ourselves usefulness or effectiveness based on how we measure up.

 

I mean think about it, blocks are often cut from bigger stones. They are grinded, cut, shaped, etc until they are ready. They come in different strengths, and are used in different capacities. We are just like that. No I might not be just like someone else, but I am still extremely useful to the kingdom of God. And so are you!



Phases and grace go hand in hand

Well it has been over a year and a half since my last posts. Funny how while some things have changed for the most part life seems to just have continued on.

One thing that I notice about having 5 kiddos is that we always seem to be in the midst of phases. One child is leaving a phase to have the next go through it. The never ending revolving door of phases. lol 

I wonder if past parents just started the saying "it's just a phase" as a way to be hopeful. Being just a phase means that at some point then, that this phase will come to an end and yhur child(ren) will one day move past this annoying, hair pulling out, screaming inducing part of their childhood, leaving you hopefully in a better spot sanity wise.

Of course what most will never tell you is that your child will then likely start a new phase, often a harder phae. A new area to test your parenting skills at and then you cling to that hope once more. And if you have more than one child(or for you real nuts like me, many more children) then you will have multiple children, in multiple phases all at once. Pulling you in so many different directions that your head will spin. And your sanity you ask? Well it is better to just wave goodbye to it, because it wont be returning anytime soon.

Then when you are at your wits end, rocking back and forth in the corner, babbling to yourself reminding yourself "It's just a phase" the universe will grant you a huge blessing and you will see your child doing something completely amazing, like reading a book to a younger sibling or playing nicely all together without fighting, or a family or friend will call you up to share something sweet and kind your child did or said, and you will realize that whatever you are doing as a parent, whatever you are saying to child amidst what seems to be constant yelling and correcting at times, that they are turning into some amazing little people.

You will look back at your outing to Walmart with them and how you felt they were running all over and everyone who passed you was staring at you and questioning your parenting skills and why you even felt qualified to entertain the idea of children and you will take off the non rosed color glasses and realize that your outing and the perception of the trip was two different things.

I remember once when Emmy was tiny and John and I took all 5 kiddos out for lunch. Emmy was needing attention and the others were just being kids. We had decided to take them to a little diner, which we regretted because it was full of elderly couples and we were sure we were ruining their lunch. Here I was a tired mom, with a tiny baby and 4 young children, whose only real "crime" was acting like normal children and I felt like a failure.

Then as we were leaving we had a lady come up and tell us she was a retired teacher and her husband and her enjoyed seeing our family and mentioned how well behaved our kids were. John and I looked at each. "BEHAVED?" but as we looked through the eyes of grace and mercy and saw the reality of the day, we saw they were actually pretty good. And to top it all off we found out a lovely gentleman paid for our lunch, also commenting on how well behaved our children were.

So fellow parents, whatever PHASE you find yourself and your children to be in in this season of your life, show yourself and your children some grace. Someday you might actually miss this season of life. (I know, I know, it seems unlikely, but trust me, it does happen)