Author, Wife, Busy Mom, A Woman after God's Heart.

Tag: wednesdaywisdom

Full Heart; Empty Space

Fourteen years ago this month, I received this beautiful maternity chair at my baby shower. It has been one of the best gifts as I spent many hours feeding and snuggling with my two daughters. Seasons passed, day became night, and night became day as I rocked my children on this chair. I prayed, I cried, I laughed, and fell asleep on multiple occasions in the middle of the night with a child or both, in my arms.

As the children grew older and the need for middle of the night feedings ceased, I utilized this relaxing contraption as my journal-writing chair, book-reading chair, and praying chair. However, there comes a time when its use is no more. In recent years, it has become my decorative pillows holder.

Moved to the corner of my master bedroom, the space it occupied had become a bit cluttered. My husband reminded me that it was time. Yes, time to remove it and pass it along to someone else. It has served our purpose. It has been a wonderful reminder of the “challenging years” in mothering babies and toddlers. I do miss that period. It was simpler and I wasn’t rushed. Everything revolved around the beating hearts of my two blessings.

Like life, change is the only constant. At least that’s what I’ve heard. My daughters are blossoming and growing up. It’s what it should be, right?

Today I say goodbye to my chair. I pray that it will bring comfort and beautiful memories to the next family.

Until next time…

The View between the Balcony Railings

The famous saying… “The grass is always greener on the other side,” may have some meaning here, minus the chilled cocktail in the photo. In this particular case, it’s a beautiful, fluffy, white sandy beach and an ocean on the other side of the railings. I’ve often wondered why is it that we as humans often see other people’s material things, lifestyles, families, etc., better than our own?

The idea behind the “The grass is always greener” goes back to the poet Ovid (43 BC – 17 or 18 AD). In his “Art of Love,” he wrote,

“The harvest is always richer in another man’s field”.

A Latin proverb cited by Erasmus of Rotterdam was translated into English by Richard Taverner in 1545, as:

“The corne in an other mans ground semeth euer more fertyll and plentifull then doth oure own.” (The corn in another man’s ground seems ever more fertile and plentiful than our own does.)

I’ve realized that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side; it’s our perception and comparison of what someone else has to our own haves. Look at social media and all the marketing ads for diet supplements, clothing, technology, etc.

The Bible tells us not to compare because we will never be satisfied. It’s true. It’s a vicious cycle, and we’re only fooling ourselves.

It still hasn’t stopped people from writing about the “wantings”. I don’t have control of that, but I have control of my mind and what I think and do.

The Tenth Commandment clearly states not to covet what’s not yours. Yet,  we do it anyway. I can’t take that beach and vast ocean and claim it’s mine, but then again, I’d love to own a piece of sand and ocean. Maybe in my next life.

From where I was sitting gazing at the world through the railings on a third-floor balcony, I’ll admit I felt enclosed, away, and detached. A spectator. The other side seemed open, exciting, and free. It was no wonder I had FOMO, fear of missing out.  I like to call it the “behind it vs in front” syndrome.

Life is a little like that. Some days you’re behind an issue or circumstance that’s not so good and you’re scrambling to move forward. On other days, you’re able to get in front of a troubling situation and a resolution is available. In both cases, you, and you alone have a choice on how you experience the world.

Your landscape can only flourish where you establish a good foundation. No railings can block your view unless you allow it.

You decide.

 

References:

Exodus 20:17 NKJV – “You shall not covet your – Bible Gateway

15 Bible Verses about Comparing Yourself to Others, Not Comparing Ourselves to Others – Powerful Scriptures – Daily Bible Verse Blog (jollynotes.com)

2 CORINTHIANS 10:12 KJV “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves:…” (kingjamesbibleonline.org)

What Does The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side Mean? – Writing Explained

Why do we say The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence? (bookbrowse.com)

Who said the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence? (askinglot.com)

When Your Passion is Their Passion

“My mom is an author.”  “My mom writes stories when we are sleeping.”

Ever wonder what your kids really think of you in terms of what you do? Your actions definitely speak louder than words.

From the moment your child enters this world, you are constantly scrutinized, judged, watched, and studied.

Knowing that notion can make one self-conscious, threatened, embarrassed, or feel holier than God himself.

Think about it. Their influences, ideas, and likes and dislikes, stem from you, their parent. It’s been said many times over; there is no greater job responsibility than child-rearing.

And, your actions have consequences and those consequences can set a path for your child to potentially follow if they can’t discern right from wrong.

So, if you want your child to see you in a particular light, model a righteous role. Set the example. Your joy will overflow when you see your children succeed in all that you’ve sowed for them.

I heard this recently and believe this quote sums it up:

“The wealth of a mom and dad lies in the quality of their children.”

~Author Unknown~

Until next time…

Be well. Be safe. Be happy.

 

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