Monday, October 8, 2012

Good Morning!

Memory LaneI am a morning person by nature. I pop out of bed and eagerly join the day. This was very useful when I was in college. I got a jump start on the classes and coursework, then had the run of campus while all the sleepy-heads were dragging to class. This was also very useful in Basic Training. I was always able to move quickly and be alert when the drill sergeants hit the bunk room.

But I very clearly remember when I didn't do mornings well.

My first baby was not a good sleeper. He was also very fussy and I wasn't always able to handle that well...mostly due to my lack of sleep. But I remember one particular morning, holding this child on my bent knees, after a very nasty night, and telling the child that I really wish I could return him somehow. I blamed him for the complete lack of sleep that was contributing to my post partem depression and general disdain of life. 

The small child just sat there looking at me. Not even gurgling during the staring contest. I didn't tealize it then, but God had begun to work on me, preparing me for my future. A future that He could see, but I could not, yet.

I had to begin learning that motherhood is a dying to oneself and my selfish desires, and learning that others do indeed count in life. I had to begin a refining process that would create the mother of 5 that I am today. I had to have my stubborn will bent enough to be moldable for God's purpose in my life. And it all started by taking away something I was quite proud of... being a morning person!

James 1 is a great chapter to memorize for these moments of refining,


Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.  For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;  he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:2-8

Now I am back to enjoying my mornings, loving my kids, and still finding time for myself ;-) 

Do you have a memory to share? Link in and share them with us. You can find the required button in the Memory Lane page. Remember, you can always enjoy mine :-)



2 comments:

  1. I do so remember that morning person as a baby because this mother was NOT a morning person. I loved your cheery disposition and exuberance for life. Love you still, mom

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    1. Thanks mom, love you too. I still could use a little bit more of your patience in my life but I suppose one baby step a time right? ;-)

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