More thoughts on the job of mom

I mentioned before about learning how to be content in my role as mom and just be patient in the here and now of it all. Just thought I'd add a few more thoughts on it that have challenged me lately.

James 1:3-8, 12

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

I have thought of this verse many times (who hasn't?) but never in the context of just persevering in the "trials" small as they may be in raising children. My kids really are showing me my sin each day and the areas that I must give over to the Lord. I've heard people say that their kids completed them. I don't know about completion, but they sure send me on the road toward sanctification. They are good boys, wonderful boys, but they are boys and little ones at that. They require time and energy. But they are sweet. It is me and my sin that often causes the problems. I do hope to persevere so that I won't be lacking, so I can be mature and complete.

Also, in this book, "Walk with me today, Lord" is a quote by Kenneth Kirk--

"Worship depends not upon our own activities, but upon the activities which God brings to bear upon us; to them we are forced to react as worshipers."

I love this and I know I've mentioned this idea before (that my worship to the Lord is in serving my kids and taking care of them even in the middle of the night) but I just wish I could really grasp it and live it out. What a beautiful idea. I want to serve my children in love. I want my role in caring for them to be my worship and I want my worship to be pleasing to Him.

Ok, I must be off to play with those boys that I'm writing about...