I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5 KJV
As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord
Of all those who visit my website, housewives may relate to what I am about to say more then most do. I say this because, as a housewife, it is an area I know we all struggle with here and there. This morning started out on shaky ground and "could" have turned out much differently then it has. Thankfully, this is one time when God steered me in the right direction and I am back on solid ground yet again.
Like alot of people, I am a member of some online social networking sites. I don't know exactly how many are out there but the two sites I frequent are Facebook and Myspace. One great thing about these sites is the ability it gives us to reconnect with the past and keep up with the present. I am now in contact with people that I haven't heard from in years! I am so greatful for that opportunity to be able to see where their lives have taken them. One friend in particular, she isn't an "old" friend, she's actually quite new compared to some of the rest, is on my friends lists. She lives several states away and is attending a Christian College. (I think thats what it is anyway) Every once in a while friends of this friend will post pics from various events going on at their school. Any time my friend is tagged it shows up on the newsfeed and of course, I LOVE pictures so I can't pass up an opportunity to take a look at some pics, even if they include people I don't even know.
This morning there were photos posted and I took a look. As I looked through them and saw all the happy faces and people enjoying themselves a feeling came over me. A feeling of failure and insignificance. My mind began to glorify the work she was doing out there. I started to think about how much she was accomplishing for God and how she was really enjoying her life.....and here I sit. What am I really doing for anyone?? About the time you start to question yourself it doesn't take long before your in a full blown pity party. I began to feel useless. What do I do all day? I clean house, school kids, and hope for five minutes of peace and quiet so I can think. What is she doing all day? Learning about God, Praising him, learning how to share Him with others, and making alot of great friendships along the way. Comparing one situation to the other, of course I came out dead last!
I continued on my morning doing what I usually do and was feeling sorry for myself while I was doing it. I just couldn't seem to get over myself. I kept questioning my decisions in life, wondering why I didn't try to do more, why didn't I try to be more? Talk about the fast track to the land of Depression!
I don't know exactly what it was I was doing but out of nowhere, like a lightbulb being switched on, I had a realization. Here I was questioning why I didn't have the same opportunities as my friend but I didn't even consider one very important point....my life isn't under MY control, its under HIS control! Years ago when I gave my life over to the Lord, thats exactly what it meant I gave "my" life over to Him. And when I did that I was letting him decide what my future would be.
All the things in my life that I have done and not done have been directed by God. The only mistakes I ever made were the ones that God allowed me to make knowing that even though I chose to do something that would ultimately hurt me, it was going to contribute in some way to my life and the plan He had for my life. The only opportunities that I have had are the ones God brought to me, the ones that would benefit me in someway and further His plan for my life. I wasn't given the opportunity to do the things my friend is doing and I wan't given the opportunity to go to the places my friend has gone because it would not have done anything for what God had planned for me. Attending a Christian College several states away would not have made me a better mother. Taking missions trips to other countries would not have helped me be a better wife.
I realized that I am where I am, and I'm doing what I'm doing, because this is where God wants me to be. Not many people may see my house when I finally get it clean, and there isn't anyone beating down my door to watch me change diapers.....but I'm doing what God made me to do. One of my sisters is a Cosmetologist...the things she can do with hair is just amazing! My other sister is a Lawyer......she can argue with the best of them and she has the drive to do whats necessary to be what she is. And I.....am a housewife, no recognition and no money at the end of each week, but I know that my husband and my kids love me to pieces and in their eyes, I am the best mom in the world!