The day was soiled before dawn. It started with the stripping of sheets and polka dotted sleepers. The freeing and feeding the dog. Shushing the shaking collar and singing toddler.
The morning rushed out ahead of me like that darn dog, hurdling over my feet, extending not even the courtesy of a moment to step aside. Sure. Just bound over me and remind me I’m not the alpha.
I am a human doggie door. A shoe courier, the route from the mudroom to the bedroom now an eyes-closed path.
I am a directions dispenser, opening my Pez mouth in the over and over speech. I redress the mattress, scrub the unsanctioned holiday d
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Holy smokes, Jo, I love, love, love this post! What wife or mama hasn’t struggled with wanting just a leeeetle recognition for all their hard work? Thanks so much for putting that ugly, “ill-fitted-garment” of selfishness in perspective. It surely ain’t pretty, so why do I often chose to still put it on?
When I find these feelings start to crop up, I have to say OUT LOUD Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” He sees me and honors my faithfulness. I know this isn’t revolutionary for lots of folks, but it does help me. I’ll be picturing that ugly outfit next time, too.
Thanks so much for writing this. Beautiful. Merry Christmas!
What a great post! Don’t we all struggle this way sometimes?
Blessings,
Cxx
Kristen-it may not be revolutionary, but I agree it helps a ton to remind ourselves that this (not so glamorous) work is for the Lord. It gives meaning to the sometimes thankless work we do. Thanks for your kind encouraging words. Merry Christmas to you too!
Jo
Very encouraging! I need that reminder to pull from God’s wardrobe daily! Thanks for ‘re-posting’ this one. ;-)
i loved it then… and i love it again. your words cause me to seek and think and see… and hopefully take action to rid myself of the stink…
I do remember! So do I get triple extra points? How exciting and what a privilege to be asked to contribute on (in)courage! Book deal here she comes! I’m still waiting (im)patiently for that announcement by-the-way.
Love the rock picture and analogy. Beautiful.
It’s even more beautiful of a story today. Both the message and the prose.
Wow – striking image , what a true illustration.
I’m so glad you shared this
Oh I do remember! It took me a minute, but that orange rock did it. What a beautiful reminder, that I doubt any mother would not be able to relate to.
This is a deep truth poetically expressed. I expect no less from you. :-)
Have you ever read Nicole Johnson’s story of The Invisible Woman? The sentiment is the same. You’ve both hit upon some powerful imagery.
(Sorry. I can’t do html in this comment. So here’s the long link: http://www.parenthood.com/article-topics/perspective_on_motherhood_the_invisible_woman.html)
I remember. :) it was just as timely now as it was before. There are too many days where I feel just how much I’m not the alpha! I love that image. Thank you for sharing this :)
It wasn’t what I hoped for. Not what I wanted. But just exactly what I needed today. Thank you for your honesty and for reaching out with God to touch my heart.
Love your beautiful heart, dear Jo, thank you for sharing it here!
First of all, Jo – So glad to see you at (in)courage! Your voice is beautiful and it’s nice to see you sharing it here.
Second – O yes and Amen and I get it (with an added head nod). I most certainly need those new every-morning-mercies. Again and again.
I love that you heard His voice from that old rock. Even the rocks cry out. Thanks for listening and speaking truth in return.
Oh , what a surprise to see you here this morning. I loved reading and feeling it again.
AWESOME post……..
Jo:
What fun to find you here at (In) Courage. I love the way you see the world and the lens you offer us to see ourselves. Thank you for this beautiful and compelling perspective. “But the rock would be wrong.” That will stick with me for a while.
Jo, congratulations on this awesome (in) courage post! I was blown away the first time I read this on your blog — it’s equally amazing on the second read. Gosh, I feel that way so often (particuarly lately, with the added responsibilities that holiday prep brings) — thank you for offering a fresh perspective!
What a great analogy! Trust me, you’re not alone on having days like that. ((bless you))
Jo, thanks for writing this inspiring, thought-provoking post. Regardless of present circumstance, I must encourage myself to wear God’s beautiful image daily: the fruit of the Spirit. Cheers, Chris/Orange County/CA