We had a relaxing weekend around our house. I spent most of Saturday getting our house tidied up. The Christmas decorations have made their way back up into the attic to hibernate for the next 11 months. I pulled out my label maker and labeled each of the boxes before they were put away. I've been a good girl lately and have not purchased any Christmas decorations this season with the exception of a perfect nativity scene. It's designed to be played with, and the kids have had hours of fun with it. As long as I don't stop at Cracker Barrel's big sale that's going on right now, we won't have to convert any additional attic space for storage. See, I'm learning to be content with what I have! :)

I've been thinking about contentment a lot lately in regards to material things and the everyday ins and outs of being a keeper at home. Gina and Mrs. B have written some excellent posts about the very important roles of wives and mothers. Just yesterday I had a conversation with a young mother about her desire to be able to stay at home and take care of her five small children. She is facing the possiblity of having to get a job due to difficult circumstances. After praying with her and encouraging her to keep trusting the Lord to provide for her family's needs, I spent some time reflecting on how blessed I am to be able to spend my days caring for my family.

To be honest, there are moments when I am not as thankful as I should be about the opportunity God has given me to serve my family. There are times when I am not content; however, God has me right where He wants me!

Caring for my family and showering them with love is the highest calling I could ever possibly have. I don't need to be busy elsewhere; any fulfillment that I need can be found in nurturing my family. God's grace is sufficient. Through His grace, I can be content.

Today as I homeschool my children, wash four loads of laundry, prepare meals, kiss a tear-stained cheek, correct a disobedient child, iron my husband's shirts, clean the bathroom...(does the list ever end?)...I do not labor in vain. I can count on God's grace to see me through.

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. ~ I Corinthians 15:10
Count your many blessings, and have a wonderful week! :)

Labels: My Thoughts