Have you ever noticed that we often treat strangers better than we treat our own family and close friends? That facade of niceness and hospitality extends to all that we meet and those in our circle of acquaintances that we are not yet comfortable with. Doesn't the law of "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Luke 6:31 include our loved ones? Of course it does. So why is it so easy to become snippy and cranky with those we live with? My only weak excuse is that we are comfortable with them. We believe that they will love us no matter what. That isn't true, simply because we are human. If we loved each no matter what, why are there divorces? Estranged children and parents or other family members? Why do friends grow apart? Our love is not unconditional.
Even as I am trying to finish this up, my girls are coming in every ten seconds talking to me. It is frustrating because when they leave I have to try to regain my thought pattern and just as I come up with what I want to say, they return. Granted I could be doing this after they go to bed tonight but hey, I am a glutton for punishment. I should be honored that they need me and cherish their little voices while I can before they grow up. Instead I want to stomp over to the door and lock it!
The same goes for when Mike or his mom are home with me every day. I love them both to pieces and when they are not here, I long for their presence. But when they are here, I feel intruded upon and want to kick them out the door. That is my sin building an anger and frustration inside me. I become bitter, snippy with my answers and withdrawn from my day. I pray often the Lord will change me for I still have a long way to go. I want to envelope them with my love and acceptance. I cherish the time they are here and I don't want to spoil it with my own sin of control and queen-ship over the home.
Do you struggle with these issues? I know I am not alone. Please share what you feel led to.
Your Sister in Christ
Ephesians 4:31, 32 "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
John 14: 21 "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
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ReplyDeleteHi Jessica. I accidentally signed in using my daughter's account...so I got it switched and now I am on mine! So I deleted the post and put it under my name. :) Here it is...
ReplyDeleteOne of my biggest struggles as a Christian is making comfort my idol. And 5 children can easily and often become a hinderance to comfort! I am reminded many times thru God's Word and others that this life is not about my comfort and ease. I want to have an attitude of servitude with my family and the joy that comes with that. I am so thankful that when I am straying from that and sinning, that God often uses many means to bring me back on the path of righteousness. It's frustrating sometimes how many times in a day I can stray off that path.