I just found this letter, written almost four years ago- 8/4/08, and wanted to share it here- maybe it will encourage you. I had been working through a book called "The Right to Write", which gives different writing prompts, and that day's prompt was to write a letter to myself, from my older self.
"Do not grow weary in well-doing!" If only you could see the harvest of righteousness that has been reaped from what you're now sowing!
I know the days are long...sometimes you're overwhelmed with aggravation with the childishness of those kids (who all turn out to be QUITE interesting adults, you may be interested to know). :) Sometimes (like today), you go the whole day without even thinking about what day of the month it is. Some days get eaten up by Martha-like tasks, some by needs, some by "mommy, can we please..."'s and some by the "birds".
Slow down. Sure, take the time to write, and take the time to keep learning and seeking wisdom. But take the time to inhale these days that will one day be so distant. Take in the sweet tug of Silas at your breast. Enjoy the laughter and jokes that Ethan and Baxter share through each day. Delight in Maranatha's tiny hand in yours as you go about your daily chores.
Do not take for granted those moments you now have. Don't let "good" things overwhelm and crowd out the task God has called you to as a mother and a wife.
Try, Jessica, to see yourself as God sees you-- a beloved, delightful, and yet struggling, work in progress. Don't take on the weight of the world-- but don't shrug off the weight of the yoke you carry. It's heavy, true-- but you're not the first, nor will you be the last, woman to bear four children in six years. You're not the first woman to struggle with life overseas. You're not the first person to have to move away from the places you love (even like China).
REST in His big plan- you've already learned that His plans are the greatest adventure. So, now you're in the rapids of life. As each progressive rapid comes your way, rejoice at these things:
1- WHO is in control of your journey
2- WHO is in the boat with you
3- the fact that others can learn from your trip through the rapids
4- the view that is solely yours-- only God sees every single thing that you see-- so delight in your unique perspective as you shoot through the quick-fire surges of stress, joy, and struggles.
He is so good and He loves you so dearly.
Love, Your future self.
6 comments:
You have no idea just how much I needed this perspective today. We've just welcomed our 4th child (though not in 6 yrs!), and these days are super-tough ones for me. But your post reminded me of what I told my husband last week - I know we can get through this stage again because we already have three times. But putting it into the perspective of an older me really helps. Thank you.
This post encouraged me, and I am much older than you :) At 50 and 55, my husband and I are happily still raising children, and praying for more. Your wisdom is God given, a gift. Keep up the great work. Sometimes, people don't really see what is ahead, and they can't put words to what needs to be said. We need people like you!
Have a blessed weekend.
Debbie
thanks for this blog entry. I am not married and all. But of cos like you, I am experiencing the toils and tolls of this world. Today, I had one of the toughest day at work and I was appraised as incompetent. Just as I was struggling to control the tears that just kept rolling down my eyes, God brought me to your blog entry to tell me I am still loved and cherished. Everything is going to be okay as He is with me.
Thank you for this post. We're now expecting our 3rd child (our oldest will be just 3yrs when he/she is born), and many days I feel so overwhelmed. However, just yesterday I was reminded of how precious my job of raising children is, and just how much I've always wanted to do this. I'm living the dream, even if somedays are not very dreamy! So these words offer good encouragement to my situation right now. Thank you, Jess.
Thanks Jess. I love this Blog, and it has been a great encouragement to me! I had my fourth child in four years a couple of months ago, and can relate to a lot of what you write! It is all about treasuring each moment. I have been so challenged about how it would be easy to push my boys away when they need so much of me right now, and then to really regret that when we don't have that close relationship several years later. Some days are just endless nose-wiping, nappy changing, mess cleaning days. Others are absolute delights. Even within the most crazy day, there are wonderful moments. 'Can we have rabbit's milk today instead of cow's milk?'; tears because 'mummy, I can't reach the sky', spontaneous cuddles and giggles.
This letter is a great encouragement, please keep blogging and sharing your thoughts!
Thank you. You are a very talented writer and I'm enjoying your whole blog. I feel so uplifted. I know it is the Lord's spirit in your words. Thank you again.
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