As I was in worship at the church we visited last Sunday, I saw an angel standing…no…towering behind me. A huge white angel with wings. It was so giant. I could feel myself able to lean into its comforting softness during worship, but also noticed the sword it carried in a sheath. Clearly ready to protect.
God was reassuring me that I could let my guard down and simply worship under the protective watch of heaven.
Then as preaching started, I saw/heard the Lord showing me the many fruits of my labor. This season of walking in a small circle…family…I’ve wrestled with worrying about whether I’m hiding out or being hidden. Suddenly I knew the answer. I’ve been a missionary here with my family. Leading them. Teaching them. Living before them. He brought us to that church Sunday to offer me a respite. A time of refreshing. He blessed all of us that day, but for me it was a time of revealing that I’ve been doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m focused on the thing He desires. Raising a family that is strong in the Lord and strong in who they are created to be.
They watch me. Every morning, they know I rise before them and sit at His feet. They count on it. It makes them feel steady. They know that I pray all throughout the day. They even tell me not to pray when we play games because it gives me an unfair advantage. Ha!
What a glorious reputation to have.
The simple, sweet, small…is so undervalued.
I have found the greatest value in simply being.
I don’t need your reassurance; I only need the Lord’s. I don’t need your praise; I only want His. I want to know that He is proud of me.
The ministry of home is far too undervalued. The feeling that we should be so much more than “just” mothers. What a lie. It’s the most important thing I’ve ever done…until I get to be a grandmother.
I wonder what would happen on the earth if mothers and fathers took their place and realized the importance of home.
Today I implore you to consider the impact you have on your home. No matter your season. There is always someone who needs a mother or father. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been at church and prayed that a father figure would come and place a caring arm around my shoulders and offer some comfort. I can’t recount all the times I wished a mother figure would come and offer wisdom and courage to face new things in my life.
Holy Spirit has become all of that for me. Thankfully. But I know God desires to use His people in this capacity as well…if we will allow Him.
Rise up mothers and fathers!! Rise up!! Come and take your place! Learn to be healthy mothers and fathers. Lean into Holy Spirit and learn. The world needs you now.
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. Psalm 127:3-5
365 Days in the Presence 