Someone forgot to tell me.
That even when things are good, even when there’s so much to be grateful for, life gets hard.
It’s messy. It’s overwhelming, unforgiving even. Days float along and if we’re lucky, we see life for what it really is. It’s a gift.
But it still gets hard.
The lists get longer and the days shorter and the children are growing so fast we best not blink, and there’s food to work for, and there’s worry. Even when we rest in Grace, there’s worry. Sometimes I believe the Christian community works so hard not to feel this life, when really, trusting God has nothing to do with not feeling and everything to do with feeling it all alongside Him.
So it’s been a weird time for me. There’s been mountains of lists and work and homeschooling and some worry and life.
There’s been selfishness and frustration and foot stomping of sorts. There is weariness and priority-weighing. Life got a little hard.
And by saying it aloud, just once even, the burden begins to lift.
The veil lifts just a bit and I see Glory, and while I can’t feel it quite yet, I know it’s there.
I feel brokenness, and fatigue and the questions of what’s next lurk around in the corners of my mind–but there is no fear of what’s to come.
Christ doesn’t promise me I won’t feel tired or broken or angry or worn slam out. He promises me He can help me carry the weight of it all. He promises to be beside me, lifting me back to my aching feet.
I feel the weight of life, as do most of us, I’d dare say.
But I see Joy, and Grace and Peace, and I know it’s there.
And that soon, I’ll feel it all the way down to my toes.
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“Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don’t squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us. God reminds us, I heard your call in the nick of time; The day you needed me, I was there to help. Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don’t put it off; don’t frustrate God’s work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we’re doing. Our work as God’s servants gets validated—or not—in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly . . . in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we’re beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we’re telling the truth, and when God’s showing his power; when we’re doing our best setting things right; when we’re praised, and when we’re blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all.”
–2 Corinthians 6:1-10, the message
I don’t know that I have adequate words to echo your sentiment. Seeking His balance. His voice in the desires so deep in my being. All while working, making sure I live His life each day. Making time for moments so quickly fleeting.
In Him. seeking Him. There is a promise of balance.
Your honesty in writing is a breath of fresh air.
Thanks so much.
Oh, I needed your words today, Shaunna. I read them and re-read them and thank you for them. I am not young but I do try to act like it in my heart….My sweet Husband has been in a nursing home for nearly two years and his dementia is getting worse. He got it much too young and I miss him here at home so much. In the midst of all this, I got shingles, dizziness and tingling in my hands and legs. Needless to say, I am worried and scared as I do not want to be ill. I have had a lot of blood work done and yesterday had an MRI on my head and neck. I keep praying and talking to my Lord and I know in my heart that he is with me on this new journey. I am trying not to let it get to me and I am trying to be strong. Thanks again for your words!! I surely do need them..
Thank you so much for this timely reminder to live in Gods presence. His grace is sufficient. Great verses from The Message.
I can’t believe I just found your site!! Your house is amazing! I love your taste! -Although my own style differs in some areas- I still love like everything!! I’m on the road to starting my own blog, and you are such an inspiration whether it has to do with your home or just because you are a sister in christ and sharing your struggles and joys.
God bless you :))
This post is one of the reasons I love your blog…..because of your passion for Christ, you may never win one of the “best blogger” awards (I just saw a list in BH&G), but you will always encourage your readers. I love these words, and I also love the decorating posts!
I am in II Cor and it’s lovely to read this passage from Eugene Peterson. It’s been on my mind as I pray for that Sudanese woman who was sentenced to death for becoming a Christian…and gave birth while shackled to her prison floor. I can’t comprehend that level of suffering. The latest news is that she’ll be freed.
Here’s to true freedom for each one of us.
No words to describe what’s in my heart, but bless you for this. Your openness about your relationship with Christ is why I admire you so and keep reading your blog. Thank you for being so unabashed in your struggles to be more like Him and your search for joy in this crazy life. This makes me feel less alone today.
The Other Marian
Thank you, sweet friend. Chin up, buttercup. 😉
xo,
shaunna
I have said it before, but it deserves to be said again – for a blog a stumbled across looking for advice on painting furniture, you have given me so much more! It always seems like just when I need it; when life has gotten harder than I expected it to, I come here and find a post like this, that speaks to my heart, my soul, and reminds me of my need for Christ.
You don’t know me…but sometimes, you KNOW me.
Dang, life IS hard!!! But oh, God is good!! And you…I love your sweet spirit!