April 17, 2012

Day 17: Interrupted by Being Out of Control

I'm writing daily this month on being interrupted by grace.  Learn more and join in here.
Giveaway winners announced below!


This recycling bin is a metaphor for our lives right now.


It is untamed and chaotic.

My recycling bin reminds me of my inability to do it all.  I really long to have things under control: tidy home, obedient and healthy children, thriving marriage, good relationships.  No loose ends.  No unfinished projects.

Yeah.

Right.

*     *     *

Then, this afternoon I was contemplating what it is that makes me hate the idea of my children enduring physical or emotional suffering.  And you know what immediately came to mind?

I CAN'T FIX IT.

I can sit with them, weep with them, love them, help them.

BUT I CANNOT MAKE IT GO AWAY.

Control freak much?

*     *     *

I can't completely control what happens in my home or my kids' lives.  I long to be in charge in a way that would drive me away from my Savior.  That's His grace to me today - the reminder that if I did have all of those things I mentioned above and could heal all my kids' afflictions, not only would I be awesome (!), but I'd no longer need my Lord ... in fact, I'm pretty sure I would cease to be human.  And, despite all its trials, I do love being human.


One other thing hit me today, getting back to the recycling bin.

It is abundant and overflowing.

We can't really separate the two.  We have a new baby in our home, the joy of homeschooling, kids who like to play together which makes messes, food to prepare and eat, friends and neighbors to love and care for.  So sometimes, we don't get to the recycling bin right away.

Untamed and chaotic,
but abundant and overflowing.




THE WINNERS: Since I only had two comments for the journal, Sarah and Andrea, I'm gonna send you each one!  Seems silly not to.  Thanks for your comments and for joining in this month!  Now I know my readers are not big into journals ... noted.  :)

8 comments:

  1. your recycle bin reminds me of diapers in our diaper pail...the pail overflows and so i stack dirty diapers on top...now there's a stinky metaphor!

    YAY!! i've never won anything before :)

    and i really love your blosts!

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    1. A very stinky metaphor indeed! I'll send your gift out soon. :)

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  2. If you had been giving away free babysitting I'd have stop my busy tax doing and commented sooner!! LOL

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  3. I just didn't try to win because I've already won so many things from your blog. :) But how about an all expenses paid trip to visit Heather? :)

    Lydia

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    1. I figured that was the case for you, Lydia! I like your giveaway idea, too. I'll look into that option. :)

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  4. Yay! I can't remember the last time I won something...

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    1. I have your little journal and could have taken it last night, but didn't think of it. Sunday or Monday (if I forget Sunday) it will be in your hands!

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