Oh Lord… Who is Like YOU? by Normal Mom,
our guest writer
After 19 years of marriage, you would think that I would “get it” by now. My precious husband just…well…he’s just a normal dad, I guess. He’s not perfect. No matter how desperately I would like for him to be.
Let me begin this with a small disclaimer: I am a capable person - with great expectations - who likes for things to be sorted out and to feel as if I have “my” life under control. This week, my three children started school. Three. Different. Schools. And, although I am committed to not whining about the logistical nightmare this creates for me, I must say that it has been an incredibly overwhelming week. I feel like I have pushed a freight train – fully loaded with schedules, books, binders, schedules, locker gear, gym clothes, carpool detail, schedules, uniforms, Bibles - up a hill by sheer willpower and brute strength this week.
By week’s end, I found that I was truly, truly DONE. I had no patience, I had no peace, and I felt simply exhausted. I confess: I wanted some comfort. Some “great job getting us all up this hill, honey” kind of comfort. Some “I’ve got it from here…” kind of superhero spousal swoop-down.
I expected this from my mate of 19 years. Without request, without explanation and without communication. (I know, I know: I should know better.)
Friends, I got nothing. In fact, I got less than nothing. I got various versions of my own shortcomings right back at me: snappiness, shortness, overwhelm. He, too, is living this logistical Back to School nightmare with me.
As I sat, defeated and alone on the side of my bathtub this morning – growing more and more angry with my spouse - a distant whisper invaded my consciousness and chanted: depend on me. Depend on me. I am the only one who knows you’re every need. I am the only one who can truly read your mind. I have given you this man as your partner but he is not Me!
When things go awry or when I am simply DONE, as I was this week, I often go to my husband, or my best friend, or anyone who is standing still long enough to listen. I set them up with expectations that are unrealistic. For humans.
How quickly I forget to go to my God for his divine strength. How quickly I forget His promises of comfort, rest and peace. How readily I forget that my rewards await me in the Kingdom. And how quick is He to forgive and welcome me into His embrace.
Be encouraged, my Back to School, friends. The trains are heavy and the haul is long and while we will always disappoint each other with our frail humanity, our God never disappoints!
My verse for the week: Psalm 89: 7-9
“O Lord, God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty Oh Lord and your faithfulness surrounds you.”
Normal Mom
After 19 years of marriage, you would think that I would “get it” by now. My precious husband just…well…he’s just a normal dad, I guess. He’s not perfect. No matter how desperately I would like for him to be.
Let me begin this with a small disclaimer: I am a capable person - with great expectations - who likes for things to be sorted out and to feel as if I have “my” life under control. This week, my three children started school. Three. Different. Schools. And, although I am committed to not whining about the logistical nightmare this creates for me, I must say that it has been an incredibly overwhelming week. I feel like I have pushed a freight train – fully loaded with schedules, books, binders, schedules, locker gear, gym clothes, carpool detail, schedules, uniforms, Bibles - up a hill by sheer willpower and brute strength this week.
By week’s end, I found that I was truly, truly DONE. I had no patience, I had no peace, and I felt simply exhausted. I confess: I wanted some comfort. Some “great job getting us all up this hill, honey” kind of comfort. Some “I’ve got it from here…” kind of superhero spousal swoop-down.
I expected this from my mate of 19 years. Without request, without explanation and without communication. (I know, I know: I should know better.)
Friends, I got nothing. In fact, I got less than nothing. I got various versions of my own shortcomings right back at me: snappiness, shortness, overwhelm. He, too, is living this logistical Back to School nightmare with me.
As I sat, defeated and alone on the side of my bathtub this morning – growing more and more angry with my spouse - a distant whisper invaded my consciousness and chanted: depend on me. Depend on me. I am the only one who knows you’re every need. I am the only one who can truly read your mind. I have given you this man as your partner but he is not Me!
When things go awry or when I am simply DONE, as I was this week, I often go to my husband, or my best friend, or anyone who is standing still long enough to listen. I set them up with expectations that are unrealistic. For humans.
How quickly I forget to go to my God for his divine strength. How quickly I forget His promises of comfort, rest and peace. How readily I forget that my rewards await me in the Kingdom. And how quick is He to forgive and welcome me into His embrace.
Be encouraged, my Back to School, friends. The trains are heavy and the haul is long and while we will always disappoint each other with our frail humanity, our God never disappoints!
My verse for the week: Psalm 89: 7-9
“O Lord, God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty Oh Lord and your faithfulness surrounds you.”
Normal Mom
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