A Work in Progress...

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Phillipians 1:6

I am so thankful for this verse, as it reminds me that God never gives up on me. He continues to believe in me and work in me, no matter how many times I fail.

Being a mom is so much harder than I ever fathomed it would be. There are days when it seems I look at the clock every 10 minutes to see if it is over yet. There are days I feel like I could just tape record myself and put the recording on an endless loop, as I seem to have to repeat things so many times. There are many days when I wonder 'what was I thinking...what did I get myself into'.

But, fortunately, God continues to work in me. He continues to give me grace and patience. He reminds me that I, myself, have to hear things over and over and over before I 'get it' and obey.

Here are some things God is working on in my life. Some are going better than others, but all are a work in progress: (sorry, but this will be sort of a rambling of thoughts)

Finding joy in my role as a mom. Releasing the need for validation from places other than God and my family. Learning to be less selfish with 'my time' (ie Sage's naptime). Doing dinner prep during this time, so I can be freed up to focus on Regan when she gets home from school. Paying bills and organizing paperwork during this time so the 'pile' is staring at me the rest of the day and causing frustration. Doing a little bit of cleaning so the house isn't totally neglected. Spending less time at the computer while my children are eating breakfast and lunch. Spend more time interacting with them while we are eating breakfast and lunch. Minimizing the time the girls spend in front of the TV. Include the girls in making meals and baking and such instead of trying to find something to occupy them so I can do it myself. Pray for wisdom in discipline methods and patience and grace when executing them. Nurturing the 'I can do anything through Him who gives me strength' attitude.

I found a lot of encouraging words in this passage today:

Ephesians 5

¹Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children ²and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

³But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. ⁴Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. ⁵For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.^a]">[a] ⁶Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. ⁷Therefore do not be partners with them.

⁸For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) ¹⁰and find out what pleases the Lord. ¹¹Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹²For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, ¹⁴for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
"Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."

¹⁵Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. ¹⁸Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. ¹⁹Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, ²⁰always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

²¹Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

May God continue to help me make the most of every opportunity with my girls and help me to be thankful for the chance to be the primary influence in their life, at least for a season.