There has to be something in this for me to learn, but I”m just not seeing it.
There has to be reasons for compiled difficulty, compressed trouble and squeezed-together anguish.
I cannot see the good yet:
In my personal worry,
In my own heartache for my daughter who tells me truthfully she has no friends.
In my three-year-old’s preschool tantrum resulting in a trip to see the principal.
In every request being met with disobedience.
All at once. All right now.
There has to be something more to learn here:
When it seems like writing this book will exact a pound of flesh and a million hours by the time it is complete.
When I feel like I have no time for my own husband, the love of my life, until after ten o’clock at night.
When the words I speak in my own house echo in the hall as if I never spoke them.
I’m trying to see it today but I just can’t.
I’m worried and stressed and I’m disappointed in myself.
But as I write this I understand exactly what is in it for me.
The gentle affection of a three-year-old after she’s stopped crying. The quiet conversation I have with my seven-year-old about friends, making and keeping, and about how to guard your heart. The privilege of looking across the pillow and seeing my husband and the richness of our relationship because we’ve saved up words all day long to exchange late at night. One more opportunity to trust God, humble myself to ask for prayer and start over with a raw and tender heart once again.
That’s what’s in it for me.
What’s “in it for you” today?
Tags: learning
Sarah, I so appreciated how you turned the question on its head…usually “What’s in it for me?” is asked from a merely selfish, worldly perspective, a cost-benefit analysis. But indeed, you drove your point home–there’s a LOT in it for us if we open our eyes to look.
So what’s in it for me today? The satisfaction, peace, joy and comfort that I am His daughter, following His plan for my life and our family in this place. Obedience to Him is always richly rewarded!
Oh wow, I love your attitude that’s displayed here!
smooches,
Larie
I love how you see things Sarah. And I love that you show your thought process in the midst of it all.
I agree, I love your words and the Truth they speak, but sharing the journey your mind takes is equally as illuminating
amazing post sarah!
I don’t know, but I will keep my eyes open and get back to you. I needed this post this morning.
There are days when this happens to me too (who am I kidding…most days) and I know without a doubt that the Lord is using them to teach me, grow me and shape me as much as He’s doing it for them. But some days, this realization doesn’t seem like enough. That’s when I have to stop and choose to believe that God’s Word is true…no matter how I’m feeling at the time. Blessings!
Oh, Sarah, how I needed this today. Thank you so much for sharing your heart. I’m off to think about what’s in it for me…
Awesome Sara. I especially loved the part about saving up your words for each other.
Awesome Sara. I especially love the part about saving your words for each other.
I’ve always admired your strength – from the first time I read your blog. I could tell that you thought deeply, loved deeply, lived deeply. And, facing so many stressors and struggles, you still write deeply. You are pressing forward and I’m so thrilled at what will come from this. Keep writing – thinking – loving – living.
Thank you Mandy. I love you and miss you friend. =)
I don’t know the exact situation your daughter is in (having no friends) however I will be praying for her (& you). I have a daughter in 1st grade and she is shy & sensitive, while I love her tender heart & hope it stays that way, I feel for her when she doesn’t make friends easily or gets her feelings hurt (although she doesn’t talk about it, so maybe it hurts my feeling more than hers…).
I will pray and I know I keep saying it, but thank you for the uplifting post.
-Oly
Awesome outlook
whats in it for me
i weather his hurt and pain because I know – with time I will get my friend back
The silence in the house – oh sarah – I feel that often – I ask my three boys “AM I SPEAKING TO THE WALLS???” all the time…but then – as I cook dinner and my 10 yr old runs up and says sorry mom…i say “for what” and he hugs me and says “i forgot to hug you and ask you how your day was today” And I hug him – my first baby. He once fit in my arms – but now his head is just under my chin. He helps me cook dinner and asks questions that show glimpse of his bright mind…and I realize I have not just raised a son – but a friend.
My husband – my friend
my sons – my friends
my sister, mother and father – my friends
I am a blessed women…I just gotta remember to count my blessings instead of my have nots.
Isn’t doing life unconditionally with our ‘own’ precious? Messy but growing together is so humbling … such an honor
Prayed for you just now, Sarah.
Hi Sarah, I’ve never posted before, but I read your words often, and you always encourage me through what you say. I needed to let you know something about your daughter and her friend situation. My boys, (I have three) were all friendless at different times in their lives. Mostly in their younger years. Oh, I remember my heart aching for them. One night, in my prayers the Lord showed me something. He so faithfully showed me that He was protecting them, guarding them, from things that were unknown to me or them. He showed me, that in His timing they would all have friends and relationships that were from Him!! He showed me that He was protecting them from pressures, temptations, being dragged down or put into situations that He didn’t want them to deal with at such a young age. I then was able to share this with my boys at different times of their lives, and I saw the encouragement they felt, the uplifting of their spirits, knowing that He would be faithful to bring them good and honorable friendships in His timing. Oh, how much He loves our children!!
They all 3 have great faithful friends now. Friends that I believe will last a lifetime. Thank you for all you share every single day! You have blessed my days!
In Him….Kelly
i’ve been lurking for a couple of months now – finally making myself known. thanks for writing what you do; you compel me to be a vessel of His Word and i thank you for that.
God always answers
It seems like the kind of post you start writing, and then God reveals truth to you in your own writing, just like a journal. I don’t know if you reflected and got to this point BEFORE you started writing, or not. I do this often too, and that’s why I love writing and blogging.
Thanks for sharing.
I love the way you think, Sarah. I’m trying to live a more God-centered life, but I have to say I have these days as well. The way you are able to then turn it and look at the positive side, is really a gift.
http://ordinaryinspirations.blogspot.com/2009/10/he-refuses-to-blow-out-candles.html
I linked to you, wonderful friend… in my post today!
Thinking and praying for you! Love and Hugs,
Traci