It Matters

My family has been through some really difficult stuff in the last year. Two unemployed parents, electricity that doesn't work, mounting medical bills, car problems, scorching heat without AC, cramped quarters, mice, mice, mice--And a spiritual revival like I never thought possible.

Yes, my family is using up the last of their retirement. Yes, I'm currently without a job. Yes, we have to ration water-use. But God is good. He is faithful. He is the Provider, Comforter, Warrior, Friend. He is Almighty--Having all Authority in every realm of creation-both seen and unseen. He is my good Father, my Helper, the Lifter of my Head.

I hear complaints about the manicurist painting the wrong image, about having to wear the same clothes over and over, about having to take kids to different events, about Starbucks giving the wrong order. We get so worked up about things that have no eternal significance.

When we stand before Jesus at the end of time, I just can't imagine telling him I couldn't go to church because of a sorority event, or being unable to teach Vacation Bible School because it was too early in the morning, or not helping with outreach programs because I had to interact with "dirty people." Newsflash: You were made out of dirt.

It matters what we do in this life. It matters that we stay in the Word, that we bind ourselves to Christ, that we realize our weakness in ALL things. It matters that we make disciples--that we disciple new believers, that we take an active role in his kingdom.

It matters how you live in front of your children. They see your confidence in your checkbook or your creativity or your personality. They see your faith in the Georgia Bulldogs, and your hope in a promotion, and your love for belittling others for a laugh. They notice when your make logic-based decisions instead of faith-based decisions. They notice when you don't pray with them or for them or before them.

It matters. It's time to start seeing that every little decision, thought, activity, or moment of peace is a decision to live for Christ. Every car ride, conversation, dinner out, or day at the pool is a time to consider His Will. It matters.

Summer Frustration

I am currently self-employed doing "freelance babysitting" which is a fancy way of saying, "I don't have a real job." I absolutely love kids--I think it's almost a given for women to say they love children (but I digress). I mean why else am I a certified teacher? However, I am a high school teacher--not a preschool/kindergarten/elementary school teacher.

I don't do well with four ADHD/ two EBD kids when there is no structure or spankings. How shall I put it....Hmmm...Week of Hell? Yeah. I think that pretty much sums it up. It's only day two, and I am counting down the days before I can rinse this week out of my hair.