Courage does not always roar. It is sometimes a quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow." ~ Mary Anne Radmacher
This quote has been on my sidebar for quite some time; not sure where I found it, but it immediately spoke to me, so I posted it there as a reminder...for myself.
I am not an outspoken, roaring-type person, in most cases...Well, unless you are "family" (which includes those dear friends who have become the "family of my heart"), then watch out! But, for the most part, I tend to be peaceful and quiet.
Roaring will only be heard on those rare days that the children have driven me to complete distraction, and made this home educating Mom just a tad bit crazy! One roar from Mom will shock us all into reality, and send me to the Father's throne for forgiveness and a new attitude.
I believe it takes courage to say, "I'm sorry, please forgive me." to those you've roared at; and then determine in your heart to try again. It takes courage, because this Mom business is hard. It is a blessing, a joy, and so many other good and wonderful things...but some days it is just hard. It is hard to guide wayward souls who are in an "independent frame of mind" at the moment, hard to keep little hands and minds occupied with worthwhile tasks and thoughts; hard to cook, and clean, and do all of the little tasks that are necessary to keep a home functioning properly...hard to even think about tackling that mountain of laundry known around here as Mt. Washmore!
On those days that I find it all simply "too hard" and end up sounding like an angry lioness, rather than a woman with the teaching of kindness on her tongue (Prov. 31:26), I find myself turning to the Bible for encouragement. One of my favorite passages of scripture is Matthew 11:28-30, and I love what it says in the Amplified version:
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]
Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.
For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.
After a time of prayer and a few minutes of soaking in the refreshing, life-giving Word of Life, I am (in)couraged. I am ready to get back to the business (busyness) and blessing of being a Mom, knowing I can face the hard times without roaring, because He has given me the courage to try again!
This quote has been on my sidebar for quite some time; not sure where I found it, but it immediately spoke to me, so I posted it there as a reminder...for myself.
I am not an outspoken, roaring-type person, in most cases...Well, unless you are "family" (which includes those dear friends who have become the "family of my heart"), then watch out! But, for the most part, I tend to be peaceful and quiet.
Roaring will only be heard on those rare days that the children have driven me to complete distraction, and made this home educating Mom just a tad bit crazy! One roar from Mom will shock us all into reality, and send me to the Father's throne for forgiveness and a new attitude.
I believe it takes courage to say, "I'm sorry, please forgive me." to those you've roared at; and then determine in your heart to try again. It takes courage, because this Mom business is hard. It is a blessing, a joy, and so many other good and wonderful things...but some days it is just hard. It is hard to guide wayward souls who are in an "independent frame of mind" at the moment, hard to keep little hands and minds occupied with worthwhile tasks and thoughts; hard to cook, and clean, and do all of the little tasks that are necessary to keep a home functioning properly...hard to even think about tackling that mountain of laundry known around here as Mt. Washmore!
On those days that I find it all simply "too hard" and end up sounding like an angry lioness, rather than a woman with the teaching of kindness on her tongue (Prov. 31:26), I find myself turning to the Bible for encouragement. One of my favorite passages of scripture is Matthew 11:28-30, and I love what it says in the Amplified version:
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]
Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.
For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.
After a time of prayer and a few minutes of soaking in the refreshing, life-giving Word of Life, I am (in)couraged. I am ready to get back to the business (busyness) and blessing of being a Mom, knowing I can face the hard times without roaring, because He has given me the courage to try again!
