Thursday, March 29, 2007

There should be a law of God that states that Mothers shall NOT EVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE get sick. I think my entire family would agree. Right after that law there should be another law...In the event that somehow a mother does get sick, her dishwasher shall NOT break!!!! My children would sign both of those laws into effect if they had the authority to do so.

Without all of the yucky details of sickness, I'll just say I have been dealing with bronchitis and now strep throat. I feel like I have lost almost 2 weeks of my life. I have watched more t.v. in the last 2 days then I have watched in the last 2 months. (I did get some good tips off the Food Network)! So if you are a mom and have any kind of imagination you must know that our house is undone. (Again I am leaving out all the yucky details for your benefit). Everyone has pitched in as much as possible, but after a while a house needs the hand of a mom to put it back in tip top shape. I struggle with this sometimes. I grew up in a house that was always clean. I have had times in my life that I am down right irritated about things getting undone in our home. (Confession is good for the soul). I have had times in my life that I want one of those houses that just seems to stay clean all by themselves.

About 8 years ago, I was crying out to the Lord about this very issue. It seemed at the time no matter how hard I worked in our home it always needed something else done to it. I was getting so discouraged that I was starting to get frustrated with our children. The Lord dropped a scripture right into my lap that has changed my attitude from that time on.

"Where no oxen are the trough is clean; But much increase comes by the strength of an ox." Proverbs 14:14

Now at the time we did not have a farm or any real plans for a farm so I knew God wasn't speaking to me to get a farm animal. However, He was speaking about my children. I was placing the wrong value on a clean house instead of putting the right value on the children that the Lord gave me. This one scripture has changed my life when it comes to my attitude about cleaning up our home. I still grumble sometimes about the chore, but I also know that with oxen (children) sometimes comes a dirty trough (kitchen). Now one of my favorite sayings in the world is "Many hands make light work". So with that in mind I am going to go gather my many hands and get this house put back in order!!!

grace and peace,
julie

5 comments:

The Bradshaws said...

Julie,

When our oldest was very young--and we may have had our second, Keith and I both had the flu. He, in his aggravating way, continued to go to work, and leave me at home to run things. I, however, came close to passing out whenever I got out of bed. Not a great position to be in with very young children. When we awoke one morning, I, in all honesty, told Keith I felt we should check ourselves into the hospital. That way, I knew we'd be hydrated and taken care of, and that our child(ren?) would, too, since friends or family would come and take care of them when we were out of the way! He thought that was ridiculous, but it did have the secondary effect I was hoping for: he stayed home that day and helped (for which I'm sure his co-workers were as grateful as I was).

Prayers for a full and speedy recovery (yours and the house's!)

Mary Susan

TnFullQuiver said...

Mary Susan,
I remember the days with very young children and sickness! We are so blessed now to have the older boys to help out when needed. Michael offered over and over again to stay home with me this time around, but I really wanted him to go to work. I knew that the kids could help me out this time. I want to know something....Why is that when the men get the same thing that we have they do seem to keep going and going??? This has always puzzled me in our home. I guess that is why during the 1700's when the smallpox came through Boston that they sent the women and girl children out of the "city" to visit relatives. I think I would have taken my boy children along with me too!
I am feeling so much better now. Antibiotics are wonderful when really needed.
grace and peace,
julie

EllaJac said...

What a great post... I needed this. We do not often suffer sickness, but with girls 5 and almost 3, a hubby who did NOT grow up under strict rules-of-orderliness, and expecting our third child, I am so often near tears with the pile of responsibilities I cannot seem to accomplish. I will remember this verse. Thank you.

TnFullQuiver said...

Ellajac,
I am so glad I could be a blessing to you. I remember having 2 small children and being pregnant with our third. They were sweet times filled with trying situations. I encourage you to remember that the pile of laundry isn't all that important in the grand picture of life. Pick a few things to tackle for the day and let the rest come as it may. It is kind of like eating an elephant a piece at a time! I wish I could come and help you and make a meal for you too. Just know I'll pray for you, and keep your eyes on the Lord. That is where your strength lies!! As a mom of 5 children ranging from almost 16-3 yrs old, I can promise you that there is much increase that comes by way of the oxen (children). I have enjoyed each and everyone of them so very much in my life. When I was with my Dad during the last few weeks of his life, we didn't talk about what a great living he made for us. Instead we talked about the memories we had made over the years. We laughed and cried, and not one time did we talk about the state of the yard or the house. We just enjoyed being together those last few weeks of his life. I told you this to remind you not to sweat over the small stuff.

grace and peace,
julie

EllaJac said...

Julie,

Thanks so much. I do try to maintain that priority list based on "will this matter on my deathbed?" I think I fill my plate with projects (garden, critters, etc) and when my ability to accomplish them lowers (pregnant, hubby entering busy-season at work), I'm just overwhelmed. I need to make prayer and purposeful reliance on Him the main project. And I am grateful for your prayers!