The Time Machine series features posts from years past.
This morning I’m sharing more thoughts on this Sunday’s Advent theme of Peace. My life is still every bit as crazy as it was when I first wrote it, since we’ve added a baby to the mix this year. Four kids almost seven and under is BUSY and finding a moment of peace can be tough, so I find myself praying this prayer again this season.
***
I’ve heard that strong-willed parents create strong willed children.
Oh my. I must be very strong-willed. Haha!
But seriously, though. This week we’ve been spending time thinking about the next theme of Advent.
Peace.
What in the world is that when you’re butting heads with an almost 5 year old over a scooter, helping an almost 3 year old sort through her very big emotions about sandwiches, and keeping an almost 1 year old from biting her sisters while she pulls every book off the bottom shelves?
Whew. I am feeling weary today, friends. I understand that the care and raising of tiny humans makes up only a short season in a person’s life. I have it on good authority (from friends who have been here) that these years are formative and important, and that the way I am spending this time is going to make a difference in the future. I know that one day I will look back on these ridiculous moments and remember them with complete fondness and not even a hint of frustration. I may even laugh about them! (hmm. Not quite there yet.)
But most of all, I believe that parenting is actually simply running to Jesus every single step of the way – in the amazing moments and the not-so-amazing moments. (An awesome thing I read in a book called “Hoodwinked” by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk!)
The funny thing is, every day is filled with both. Isn’t that some sweet kindness from the Lord?
—
Jesus, be my peace in the middle of this chaos.
Be my hope when despair sneaks in.
Be my joy when sorrow knocks on my heart’s door.
And be my love when I feel spent.
Nestled in a tree
With Stephanie Nicole 