April 17, 2012 Those That Stoop Low For His Glory

Well, after much self-chastisement, self-inflicted guilt, and general thoughts of "you're such a loser to not keep up with your blog," I've decided to practice what I've spoken and just do what I can as I can with a true heart of gratitude rather than a pretense to make my gratitude journey look perfect.  I came to this conclusion after a conversation with Annabeth yesterday.  I went upstairs to check on her during her morning devotional time of reading scripture, prayer and writing in her gratitude journal.  As I walked in the room, she quickly wiped her eyes.  I went over to check on her and noticed some glistening tears still left in those stinking long eyelashes of hers.  After I had a moment of minor coveting over those eyelashes, I asked her what was wrong.  She said she was frustrated because she had gotten behind in her journal and felt overwhelmed to catch up.  When I suggested she just start with the day she was on and not worry about writing the others, you would think I suggested a minor criminal act.  She immediately and tearfully launched into the reasons that her journal simply must have 365 days ranging from "it won't look right" to "it won't be as good as mine and Emma's" to "but that's the rules."  I spent a while speaking to her about how none of the reasons mentioned honored God and that perhaps she was a bit sidetracked from true thankfulness while trying to maintain an outward appearance.  She eventually calmed down and we prayed and she decided to try to write about thanksgiving without worrying about what she is accomplishing or failing to accomplish.  As parents, don't you often have that moment when you sort of  hover over your parent body and listen to yourself and wonder how on earth those words are coming out of your mouth because they clearly aren't being applied to your own life?  I too was down in spirit (not to the point of tears) over being behind in my gratitude journey.  I was overwhelmed with gratitude on Sunday morning but couldn't write about it because I hadn't caught up from last Sunday! Oh silly woman!  So, today and for the future I write as the Lord impresses and not from mere obligation. 

My gratitude for Sunday is being able to be in a body of Christ were I see people laying down their lives for His honor and glory.  Just today I texted a friend, "Dying to self brings His new life to others" and I truly see this in our little humble body at Heritage.  There are many families that quietly, humbly serve daily from a total emptying out of self for fullness of God.  This is done in many ways and often in ways not seen by others, but I was especially moved by a family sitting to my right on Sunday morning.  I always take my appropriate "pastor's wife seat" front-and-center so I often don't see people during the morning's service, but as I sang words of worship, the Lord showed me actions of worship right beside me.  This family has served the Lord in the venue of foster children for many years.  They currently have six foster children, one having special needs.  They are also caring for an aging parent, and yet they manage to maintain such a sweet spirit no matter what challenges they may face day to day.  My heart rejoices when I see the faithful smile of one of my sisters in Christ who recognizes the beauty of serving the least of these.  As Christ bent to wash the feet of those He had poured His life into during His time on this earth, I am thankful to see His children humbly meeting the needs of those God has placed in their lives while pointing them to the One who meets all their needs under the blood of His Son.  The lives of children are changed on this earth and prayerfully for all eternity by the sacrifice on one family walking in obedience to their Savior.  May I learn to maintain humble dependence on the calling of God in my life and walk in obedience to be His hands and feet of love to those He has placed in my life.