Titus 2
I’d like to post an email that someone sent me tonight. Debra is in a small group Bible study that meets in our home weekly. She and her husband David have three beautiful, extremely joyful (!) older children who come with them, and they watch our children upstairs while we meet. She began educating them at home after years of public and Christian schooling, when she acted on a dream she had for years to homeschool. We have talked some about that, how I would love to see her in action and discuss my dreams for teaching and learning all over with my kids, and she has already been such an encouragement to me in the months we have lived here. She is presently having a very tough time with the serious illness of a family member, and she is spending most of her waking hours caring for her family and going to the hospital. Yet, she took the time tonight to send me this thoughtful email. I believe Debra acted on the instructions of Titus 2: 3-5, and I praise God for the joy of knowing older women who are disciples of Christ and take seriously the call to instruct and lift up younger women.
Hello Kristi,
I came home and started working on my day for tomorrow and just felt like I needed to write you this note . . . I remember how hard it was for me when my children were so small and needed so much of me. I felt like I had no time to myself, could never get a handle on the many baskets of laundry, diapers, just the neediness of two toddlers and a new baby. It is truly the most tired I have ever been in my entire life. Just the idea of having the responsibility of teaching amidst this time would seem more than I could take . . . The most important thing I can encourage you to do is have a regular reading time with your children. I did that with my children and that was some of the most precious time. We always had everyone’s favorite and then I would always bring in two or three new ones to read. Also, I encourage you that God has truly blessed you and Eric and entrusted these beautiful children to you and He will give you what you need to teach them when the time comes. I also encourage you to have your quiet time as a sacred time. I used to have my quiet time when my children napped. It was hard to do that when I saw so many things that needed my attention, but I could always handle things better when I took that time out for prayer and study. I know that you know these things and practice them, but it is always encouraging to be reminded. Eric has a lot of responsibilty at church and it is hard to get everyone in, the children and I can plan to meet you each Sunday at a certain place and time and help you get the children in[side] and get settled. We would be glad to do that, it could be a ministry opportunity for my children to help others. Think about that.
I am so looking forward to what God has for each of us in our journey of motherhood. I see so much of myself in you when our children were young . . . When the time comes God will give you the strength and patience you need to accomplish this task or give you the wisdom . . .
I cried when I read those thoughtful words from Debra. Why did I share them with you? I think this is a good example of what we need to be doing in the body of Christ. I believe God wants us to use our days to minister to others the way Debra has to me. Sometimes we see the faces of other people, and we think, “Oh, surely they’re fine. They don’t need my help.” That’s because many people (myself included) can plaster on this smiley face that tends to convey, “I’m superwoman/superman, so leave me be,” even if we’re actually struggling just to make it through the day and we indeed need a touch, a kind word, five dollars, a listening ear, or just some scotch tape! Or maybe we see someone who looks so needy that we’re overwhelmed or too selfish to help.
It only takes a few minutes to bless someone, doesn’t it? The blessings are tenfold when we take a few moments to look around and see where God wants us to help someone else, and the thoughtfulness we give from a humble heart is a sweet aroma to our Savior who died to give us this abundant life. Thank God for people like Debra!
Posted in Friends
What an encouragement. How awesome to have such a faithful sister in Christ!
Kristi- I know you don’t know me, but I read your blog all the time - I saw it from Natalie’s blog! Anyways- you are such an inspiration and encouragement to me. I have a 15 mo old son and we just moved after spending 3 yrs and seminary and life is soo difficult some days with all the transition and the Lord keeps using your words to bring some laughter and encouragement to me- THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!
Rebecca
What an encouraging email. I love to hear about moms who are passionate about homeschooling and do it for the right reasons. I know if you decide to homeschool you’ll be fabulous!
I love the new banner with the super cute pics of you guys. Hope Lydia’s party was fun. I wish I could have made it
Maybe some weekend soon? Are you guys still interested in coming up for the Andrew Peterson concert on the 15th? Love you!!!!!
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