Peace

Tonight is one of those lovely nights where I'm struck by the beautiful peace in our home.  I caught a glimpse of a magazine; one of the titles on the cover was "Reaping What You Sow," and I feel so blessed to be reaping good things.  Lately I've found myself caught in some poignant moments:  captivated by Karis's big blue eyes, or the way Allegra looks when she's coloring, or Micaiah singing to herself as she mows the lawn, or Charity's sweet face, or Teran's pride as he shows his rabbit.

Earlier today we did some sowing.  We got up really early, Jim and I going separate directions, all of us being productive.  There were hard moments in the day, but by grace we got through them, learning and growing as we did.  We sowed hard work, we sowed patience, we sowed time invested into worthwhile things, we sowed into relationships.  And tonight we've enjoyed reaping.  We're reaping the blessings of a peaceful home, happy, healthy children, a strong marriage, and a dynamic walk with God.

I heard about a family who isn't like this.  The parents struggle in their parenting, often feeling overwhelmed by their two-year old.  The little girl is unhappy, frequently throwing tantrums, trying to get her way when what she really wants is their love, expressed through peaceful firmness.

I thank God for the things that we've learned, and pray that we're humble enough to continue to seek His wisdom.  My heart goes out to the parents who are at their wit's end.  I pray that we all get a glimpse of how wonderful, how joyful, how peaceful, life can be, is supposed to be, when we do it His way.