Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Unsung Courage


He left.

Everyday.

Without guilt. Ready to tackle a new day. Excited about his next project. Fielding requests for his time. Building a name and reputation for himself. With a kiss and a skip in his step, he shut the door behind him to face a world of possibilities and opportunities.

Meanwhile, I changed another diaper, read one more picture book, picked up Legos, refereed arguments, loaded the dishwasher, folded towels, wiped up the juice and prayed I'd have a chance to take a shower.

I stared out the window feeling insignificant, wondering what it would be like to have a real life where people appreciated what you did and told you so, where baby fat didn't live around my hips and spit up never rested on my shoulder. I wished for an answer to the question, "What do you do?"

Every morning my husband left, to the world of grown-ups and ideas and respect, while I wondered if I'd ever have the chance.

Just when I thought I didn't have it in me to do it any more, God showed me this.

It requires much more courage to stand and wait and still not lose heart or lose hope, to submit to the will of God, to give up opportunities for work and leave honors to others, and to be quiet, confident, and rejoicing while the busy multitude goes happily along their way.”

J.R. Miller
from Streams in the Desert

He told me I had courage. He said to take heart, to trust Him above all odds, knowing He has the best plan. He strengthened me for the task at hand.

Are you feeling trapped in your circumstances, forgotten by God, questioning if you are hearing Him right? Take heart, my friend. Nothing is overlooked by our Lord. No work done in His name is in vain. You show great courage by going in every day, trusting His plan. Your obedience to His call shines brightly.

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Psalm 27:14

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4 comments:

Miriam Pauline said...

Wonderful encouragement! This was a perfect quote for me to dwell on this week. Thank you!

Karen said...

Praise the Lord that nothing is overlooked by God. He sees what we are doing and His recognition alone should be good enough for us.

Debbie Petras said...

I hear your heart Tami. But isn't it wonderful that God knows everything you do for each of your children. He sees you changing a diaper and teaching the children about Him.

I also think of the prayer warriors who have been the backbone of revivals. They didn't get the credit from men but the Lord knew and answered their prayers. One day those secret prayer warriors will be rewarded by a loving God who sees all.

Blessings and love,
Debbie

Vintage Whimsy Studio said...

How? How do you seem to know exactly what is needed? It just appears to me that everytime in the past year or so, when I've been really struggling with something, you have just the right words. I'm still struggling ;o) but I needed to be reminded that it is OK to calm down, give it a rest, and give myself a rest, instead of always feeling like I have to solve every problem myself. I think you can see right into my heart ;o) Blessings for your day my dear friend, Nina