Contagious Joy!

I woke this morning with a heavy heart, unexpected by the intensity of it yet thankful for how the Lord was drawing pieces of a growing puzzle together. It is no surprise that the combination of reflection on 2009, praying through Living Intentionally, Bernice's impact, a powerful sermon by Pastor Tim Keller, and study of Titus 2 has caused a perfect storm in understanding myself, where I've come from, and where I want to be as mother and home-keeper. So really, a heavy heart isn't always a bad thing, especially when the Lord is using it to ignite the final spark needed to burn the fire of change in my life.

But why was my heart so burdened?

Because God opened my eyes to see that I have not brought contagious joy to my role as mother and homemaker.

A well-kept home is not a beautiful legacy. But a family kept well, by the joy-filled heart and love a mother, is a most valuable inheritance to bestow on her children.

Because God opened my eyes to see that the training of my children might be spot on, but it is to no benefit if my words are often spoken without love and gentleness.

Truth may be truth, but without love
words are simply a loud, obnoxious, noise inflicting deep
wounds into an unsuspecting soul.

God, in His mercy used a tender conversation with my oldest as the final piece to understanding this puzzle. She is only ten, but has no desire (at this point) to be married or have children because she identifies herself as somewhat lazy and somewhat self-centered person. Why? Because that is what I've told her. In my defense, it was as I confessed being such and I was attempting to challenge her to learn now how to serve...not later. She's keenly figured out that those particular characteristics don't bode well for motherhood! Why? Because that is what I've expressed verbally and lived out before her. Therefore, she sees getting married and having children as not a good fit for her future.

Time-after-time, my children have heard my complaining about the labors of motherhood and home-keeping, instead of witnessing a woman living out her ministry call in quiet submission with words of gratitude. Now, don't get me wrong. I will not slip into condemnation here, nor I am not borrowing trouble from tomorrow. I know my daughter is only ten and unable to plan her future. Yet I also see the influence of my behavior and I am certainly saddened about that impact.

I am also very grateful for our candid conversation and the obvious reality check on my role as mom and home-keeper. My hope rests in the fact that God redeems the years the locust have eaten. He can change me, from the inside out, and also change my daughter's perspective of herself and what the Lord might have in store for her future. All He requires is my repentant heart and humble submission in doing life His way instead of mine. I know that it will require intentionality, as I put into practice God's admonitions in the Scriptures. I am certain my mothering and home-keeping could benefit from practicing Philippians 2:14, 1 Corinthian 13:1, Matthew 12:36-37, and Colossians 3:12 -16!

Do you struggle with having a good attitude about motherhood and home-keeping?

Do you want this to change, for the sake of the impact you are having on your children?

It is so much a part of our culture to complain. It is so much a part of our feminist-influenced attitude to resent the roles we have been designed to fill. But I want this to change in me -- in us!

Please, my friends, join with me as I ask God for contagious joy to overflow from my heart and yours!

Together, let's see God use us to impact the next generation in the call of motherhood, home-keeping, as a wife, and as a disciple of Christ.

I pray you will join me in this mission. I don't know where God will take us on this journey, but I am ready for change...ready to be the mother and home-keeper He's calling me to become! Are you?

Feel free to sign the McLinky below and post (your own confession) on your blog. Or, just leave a comment below. Let's commit to praying for one another as we ask the Lord to overflow us with His Contagious Joy! As always, grab the share button!

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Thank you for your love and support! I thank God for your prayers for me!

By His Grace & Mighty Power,