Is there any among us who hasn't looked at our to-do list and wanted to stamp it: "Impossible. Going back to bed."
"Life isn't meant to be this hard, is it?" Stephanie asked. "My goals shouldn't be foes to conquer! They're supposed to bring joy, right?"
When life is full of joy, the heart is restful. Joy propels us forward. It pushes away thoughts of defeat and failure. The joy of the Lord is our strength. He is the great joyride with a never ending supply. When joy is flowing, we build momentum and motivation. We feel happy about who we are and what God is doing through us, in us. The to-do list looks possible.
"Nobody ever tells you how hard it is to maintain joy and peace with four children underfoot," Stephanie confesses. "My life is one giant interruption. I want to be strong. But I'm not. I'm just not."
Jesus had a to-do list:
1. Spend time with the Father.
2. Show up to love.
People clamored and shouted and made demands for His attention. Joy spurred Him on to love and good works. But He, too, got tired, frustrated and stressed. He needed to get away just like you and I do. Oh, how He understands the mothers of young children!
The needs and interruptions were opportunities for love and grace. His life bore much fruit because of His habit to get away to a quiet place with the Father. His mind was set on things above.
Pull out that festive paper you bought for your to-do lists.
1. Spend time with the Father.
2. Show up to love.
Like a shepherd He will tend His flock. In His arm He will gather the lambs, and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes. -Isaiah 40:11
Who better than the Good Shepherd to show you how to care for your young? Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find.
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