A few weeks back I had an interesting moment. I was at home enjoying quiet time when this thought entered my mind:
"The kids will be home (from spending the night with their grandmother) soon. Am I a horrible mom that I send my kids off to Grandma's almost once a week?"
Then, almost immediately, came this thought:
"No. Let's try that again. How about this: 'I am so thankful that my kids have grandparents that want their home to be a safe place. I'm so thankful that I have a mother-in-law who loves to care for me and her son this way. I'm so thankful that Gunnar and Lily are growing a strong, solid relationship with these grandfolks.'"
Whoa. Uh. What just happened?
I experienced a turning. Call it repentance. Call it 'taking my thoughts captive' (2 Cor. 10:5). Call it whatever you want. I call it good.
I immediately felt better. Mentally. Emotionally. Physically (I could feel the tension leave my muscles as I engaged the second line of thinking).
"This is awesome," I thought to myself. "I want it to always be like this."
In other words, I want to choose the gracious path - the path that spreads life, love, wholeness, peace, joy. I want to see the good in things rather than the negative. I want to be thankful for what I have rather than lament what I'm missing. And no matter what I say or anyone else says, the older I get, the more I know: this is a choice. How I see my life directly affects how I am able to enjoy my life. I, for one, want to see it with His eyes - thankful for what the Father has given me.
In the weeks since I've been trying to practice this turning, specifically in my thought life. Are there areas of your life that you need to see differently? Would a shift in perspective bring you into a greater sense of His presence, alive and active in your life? I'd love to hear about it!
Linking up with Jen at Soli Deo Gloria again this week. Be sure to check out some of the other posters and join the community if you feel inclined. It's a wonderful source of mutual, Christ-centered encouragement!
Yes, I am longing for a turning. A turning that involves laying down and picking back up only that which He longs for me to hold. And then holding it with palms up and not fists-clenched.
ReplyDeleteI am really longing for this turning too. I am so often my worst critic and enemy. I'm trying to give myself the grace I can more easily seem to give to others.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like there are a lot of posts today about how we have to battle our negative thoughts about ourselves! The battle really is in the mind, the devil knows our weakness and he wants to destroy us. We shouldn't let him. We have to fight him with the truth. I confess the truth to myself- that I am the apple of God's eye, that God is looking for ways to bless me, that I am blessed to bless others... we shouldn't give the devil the upper hand! Patsy from
ReplyDeleteHeARTworks
Oh how I needed this. So many times I miss the turn.
ReplyDeleteI think your mother-in-law is a special lady to give this gift to you. And I've no doubt, since I'm a mawmaw that she loves every minute of it!
Blessings,
Pamela
Taking your thoughts captive -- yes! I love this!!
ReplyDeleteThe turns are easy to miss, especially when you feel called to be the best mom you can. I remember. And even though my boys are older, mom guilt still rears its ugly head sometimes. We fight it best, as you said, with the truth and with the gracious and the good.
This is brilliant and super timely for me. I'm going to sit right down and re-think my attitude toward the extra responsibilities that currently engage me. THANK YOU for the encouraging post!
ReplyDelete(And for visiting my blog this morning!)
Yes....this is a turning - a good one.
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of a favorite hymn - until by turning, turning we come round right!
Mrs. M.
Mrs. M - what hymn is that?
ReplyDelete