I have figured out the secret to my success as a domestic engineer/family manager/mom and wife. Admittedly, some people will question whether I'm being successful (and I'm often one of those people) but I had an epiphany that just had to be shared. This may not make sense at first, but hang in there with me because (I hope) it will.
We've all heard that failure is the key to success. Successful people fail, sometimes many times and miserably. But, what makes them successful is that they don't give up. Successful people don't discount themselves as failures because they make a mistake. They simply try again. The old adage, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again" seems to characterize most successful people. Thomas Edison, not to belabor the point too much, is reported to have said (in response to how he felt about failing so many times before fining something that worked for the light bulb), "I didn't fail, I simply discovered (however many different ways) that didn't work." You might say, as I have before, that it is a matter of perspective.
Well, tonight, as I was getting ready to tumble into bed, I noticed clothes on my clothes line. Since it was after dark and I was already in pajamas, I decided it was too late to worry about it and we'd take care of it in the morning. Then I started thinking of all the ways I fail as a mom. I could list them for you, but it would get boring quickly. Anyway, I realized that the reason I keep trying at this task set before me is that I recognize that I'm a failure, in MANY ways. Again, I could list them, but you would probably be thinking of your own list anyway. If you want to get right down to it, all of us fail; the Bible says so and I don't anyone really disagrees.
Isn't great that entrance into Heaven is not dependent on our perfection? I'm especially grateful, since I'm so VERY far from being perfect! Psalm 103:8, one of my favorite verses, says "The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." His patience, graciousness and compassion make it possible for me to keep failing without giving up. Later in the same Psalm it says that God knows how weak we are (He should since He created us). He has made provision for our weakness through His Son, Jesus Christ. That is the reason that I can be "successful," at least as far as not giving up on being a mom. My precious Savior, Jesus, loves me in spite of my failings (of which there are MANY), He accepts me and gives me what it takes to put one foot after the other, even on days when my laundry still hangs on the line as I get into bed.
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Trusting Him while life shall last, trusting Him till earth be past till within the Jasper wall, trusting Jesus, that is all.
Hebrews 13.8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Amazing that the One who has yesterday, today and tomorrow in His Hands, is our Savior. Amazing that when we fail, He is there.
The writer of Hebrews (whom I believe was Paul) says in verse 5 that "let your manner of life be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have, for he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you'
so that we may boldly say The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
Remember those who have rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God, whose faith follow, considering the end of their manner of life - their lifestyles - Wheeee. Isn't it wonderful we have so many BLESSINGS to cherish, and our Lord's Presence to lead and guide us? Amen.
As a newlywed I left my laundry on a community line (with pretty pre-baby undies)!
Yesterday when I felt like a failure, I remembered that one of the reasons I don't have a paying job is because the bumpy road of raising kids requires me (at least for now)to bump along with it--that flexibilty is a big part of my job. I have the priviledge of teaching other people how to fail well---and they are quite good at observing it by now!
Love to you and yours (as always!),
Adrienne
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