To Choose Him
By Mary Elizabeth Stone
(This is a modified post Mary Elizabeth wrote on March 28, 2012. She is now the mom to FIVE boys, four boys here on earth, and sweet Warren who is in heaven. She is our hero!)
(This is a modified post Mary Elizabeth wrote on March 28, 2012. She is now the mom to FIVE boys, four boys here on earth, and sweet Warren who is in heaven. She is our hero!)
On many days, being a mom can be tiring. It simply
comes with the territory. People see us out and comment,
"You have your hands full!" And I always
respond,"Yes I do, in the best possible
way!" (Parents out there, feel free to use
this line; it is TRUE and refreshing to those who hear it.
Children are an incredible gift. In fact, I imagine this
line could fit anything to which the Lord has called
you.)
So yes, I am tired on certain days. And I often
feel like I should/could/need to do more.
But EVERY DAY, I get a huge self-esteem boost simply by
peering into John and Daniel's smiling faces and soaking
up their essence. At this age and in their minds, Meade
and I are "it." We have hung the moon.
Whether I'm busy around the kitchen, back in the
bedroom, or at my little brother's track meet, it has
really hit me that Daniel chooses me. Out of a crowd, out
of a sea of legs, he picks me and chooses my legs to
grasp. My lap to burrow. My eyes to catch his
smile. My ears to direct his laughter.
I can be outside the kitchen door for a second, and he
stands there with his little face and hands plastered to the
door just smiling and looking out at me.
It's amazing how I can feel so loved
and chosen by my children. It simply
warms my heart.
It must DELIGHT the Lord when we choose to act in this
manner with Him...when we truly choose Him with childlike
faith and abandon.
Just as the love of our children is truly initiated out
of our love for them, so too are we enabled to love God because
He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
By the inherent nature of being a small child, my
children know no other than to expect my love, my attention, my
meeting of their basic needs... that I will bathe, clothe,
and feed them. That they will have dirty diapers changed,
faces wiped, hugs freely given, and countless kisses.
When we are operating out of childlike faith, it becomes
second nature to choose God. We merely assume He will
provide for us. We trust He knows best, even when doubts
creep up (or, if we are honest, scream at
times).
As a "responsible adult," it is so easy and
tempting to go to anything and anyone but God when life gets me
down.
Next time the trial pursues, the deadlines threaten, or
the laundry and dishes stack high, I hope I will seek out God
and make my way to "His legs."
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I
have drawn you with loving-kindness."
Jeremiah 31:3