I found this beautiful post by Elise in Anne’s archives, and it’s been in my thoughts the last few days. I thought I’d pass it along in hopes that it might encourage…
"[Thinking on our life as gift] is so timely, as we come into a season that tends to be full of "what I want".
I
try to remind myself of life as gift when there is a spill on the
carpet, or marks on the wall, or dishes broken. Those things will pass,
but my children and husband are part of my forever life.
I
don’t want to remember the anger I felt at a broken dish; just the
sweet little hands that weren’t strong enough to hold it. I don’t want
to remember my disappointment at a spill in the carpet; just the years
of sippy cups. I don’t want to remember my frustration at another mark
on the wall; just the admiration and clumsy mimicking of the
five-year-old who wants to draw like his brother, and can’t find the
paper by himself.
Being wrung out and used is not attractive in this society. [Being wrung out] is an invitation to be selfish, to cry over how unappreciated you are. But
I choose to seek the wringing, for it is a sign that I am caring for
the gifts God has given me to the best of my ability. A sign that I am
needed. That I am acting as His hands. Could there be a greater
commission?"