I was sitting at Panera Bread Co. yesterday having a bagel with 20 month old Nate. A few tables over from me, was a group of about 12 people having breakfast. It did not take me long to figure out that they were the staff of a local church. They all had their Bibles, notebooks and coffee. The pastor opened in prayer, another gal led a short devotional. Then they got on with business, reviewing the past Sunday, coming up with new ideas, sharing how God was working in their individual ministries. I had to admit as I picked up Nate's juice cup off the floor for the 5th time, that I was a bit jealous of them. 15 years of my life I served on some type of ministry staff. I remember well sitting around tables and brainstorming how to more effectively reach people for Christ. I remember what it felt like to be part of a team, to be a part of a "staff" of some sort. As I drove home, my eyes clouded with tears. I realized how badly I miss that. I don't think I had really felt it that much until that moment.
As I pondered on that throughout the day, I had another realization. I remember sitting in meetings like that, and glancing across the room and watching a young mother with her child. I remember what the ache for a husband and children felt like. I remember driving home with tears in my eyes wondering if I would ever know what it felt like to take my own child out for a bagel on a spring morning.
God gently reminded me that there are indeed seasons in life. If I spend my time missing what used to be...or yearning for what could be, I miss the beauty of the season I'm in. Lord remind me to be content in whatever circumstance I am in.
7 comments:
How true this post is Connie. It is good to remind ourselves how the lives we live now are exactly (well, almost exactly) what we longed for back when we were living what we miss and long for at times now (Wow, that was confusing :) but I think you understand what I'm saying.) As you said, it is always good to look to the Lord and ask Him to grant us contentment in the now.
Thanks for sharing.
It is so amazing how easily discontent we are as humans. I have definitely had those same feelings on both sides of motherhood. Sigh...oh for eternal perspective all the time.
Hi! I have lost your number! We are having a little open house at our place tomorrow at 3-5 to say farewell! It would be great to see and the kids. Everyone is well, ice cream and cake . email me for directions! Hugs Tammy
"Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. the boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely i have a delightful inheritance." psalm 16:5-6
i have to remind myself of this too, connie. thanks for sharing what you did.
Thanks for the reminder and perspective check! As for the inflatable pool, ours lasted all summer last year. This year we got the $30 one from Wal Mart. I think that this one can withstand your three guys for the summer! Tons of fun!
Thanks, Connie. A fantastic reminder for each of us - contentment, whatever the circumstance. I am so thankful that the Lord has gently been working on me in this the past several months and I think I'm mostly getting it! =) we will meet some day, my bloggin' friend! (my bloggin' friend almost sounds like a cuss phrase, doesn't it?) =)
Thanks, Connie for this perspective. I don't want to miss the current season I'm in while I'm waiting for the next. Thanks for being in the next season and reminding me that EVERY season is sweet. 8-)
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