How to find margin in the craziness of motherhood

Desperate – the novel by Sally Clarkson and Sarah Mae

I can’t wait to read this book! Even though my babies have grown, I still have four children to love, nurture, and encourage the rest of their lives! I want to be able to encourage this new decade of young mothers who are currently floating (and sometimes drowning) in the daily grind of diapers, bottles, naps, tantrums, peanut butter and jelly lunches, and endless trips to the doctor, grocery store, and the park! My hat is off to Sally Clarkson and Sarah Mae as they delve into the nitty gritty trenches of motherhood. There is a gem to behold, and this gem is found in the soul of each child. I hope and pray that each mom who reads this book will find her joy, her hope, and her purpose in motherhood again!

Never by Coincidence

I do not believe in coincidence. But, I do believe in providential timing. Sure, it’s easy to say, “what a coincidence!” But, in all honesty, there is no such thing as good luck, coincidence, or that the stars have aligned in my favor.

I have to believe that God has his hand on all who trust Him. I believe that I have been placed exactly where He wants me to be, with whom I should be in contact, and for reasons that I may or may not understand.

As I ponder the human condition, I see that we all have similar traits. We all want to be loved. We all want to be accepted. We all want to be wanted. Human behavior does not change that much from generation to generation, until a certain catalyst causes a motivation to change.

Sometimes, all one needs is a change in perspective. The New Year is a huge reference for change. People make resolutions, and some will be kept, while most fizzle away. It’s difficult to walk the straight and narrow. It’s challenging to say one thing and follow through in action, too.

2013 is going to be a different year. Honestly, I believe that there are some people who are tired of living without purpose or passion in their lives. Even if the circumstances don’t change, I believe that one person can still have a better year because they have chosen to change his/her perspective.

Sometimes, it’s true: life stinks. We have all gone through material loss, deterioration of health, and loss of loved ones. We have all pointed the finger outward toward the sky and said, “Why did you leave me, God?” But, when we take a step back, take a few breaths to calm down, we will soon realize that God wasn’t the one who moved… or changed. We did.

It takes a courageous and humble person to admit that circumstances are usually a reflection of self. As you glance in the mirror, what do you see? Who do you see? Do you see a person with doubt, fear, and hopelessness? What if you could change all that into joy, peace, and contentment?

A person does not need to change his/her reflection in the mirror, but rather, he/she needs to become the reflection. Begin to absorb the sun’s light and power (think of absorbing God’s light and power), and become the moon. Reflect your inner light to all around you:  joy, peace, and contentment that can only be found in knowing the love of God.

The next time you see someone in public, or you ponder why you are where you are at this very moment, just feel at peace knowing that it is not by coincidence or mistake. Your life is a blessing. It is a gift. Use it wisely, share it willingly, and be all the wiser.