Did you know that Kindess and Goodness walk hand in hand with each other? When we are kind, the goodness follows because of the act, emotion and ownership of kindess. The result (goodness) however, is not because of something we do of our own accord, it is because of our obedience to what God has called us to do. When we are obedient, to what God calls us to do with kindess, the goodness of God shines through....no question about it. And it is HIS goodness that transforms our lives, and the lives of those around us.
I was reminded of the truth tonight, that even though I may be planting seeds of goodness in the kindness I am showing to those around me, it is not my job to wait around and watch those seed grow into blossoms, When those seeds start blooming, God is the one who comes behind me, and gathers it to Himself. It is simply my job to plant the seeds, and then continue on the journey God has called me to. I may not get to see the blossoms, but sometimes, God allows me to experience a sweet fragrance of a blossom that has begun to bloom...
I saw this in action the other day. It was something that took my by surprise, but looking back...it really shouldn't have. David hurt his hand on a pointed object on the floor. It was really his 1st "serious" cut, and I had to put ointment and a bandaid on it. With him (my wiggly and very upset almost 2 year old) it was no easy task. I finally put him in his high chair so that I could have more control over the situation. As I was preparing the bandaid and the ointment, David was literally sobbing. I was speaking words of comfort and encouragement to him, when I hear my sweet Abby say "Mama, why is David sad?". I replied with, "He has an owie on his hand sweetie, and I need to put a bandaid on his hand". And it was in the next moment when I felt my self pause as I heard my daugther (on her own) say, "Oh, David, I am so sorry. ...Dear Jesus, please help baby brother's hand to get better. Amen". I looked at her with tears in my eyes, and a heart that was beating out of my chest. I told her how kind and thoughtful that was to pray for him, and how proud of her I was at that very moment. She looked at me with a huge smile, and returned to her coloring sheet in the living room. As I finished putting David's bandaid on, I couldn't help but reflect on the many challenges Abby has experienced because of her diagnosis..because of her delays. But at the moment someone needed her, there was no hesitation, there was no delay in what needed to be done. She breathed the truth to her brother...and make a request on his behalf. An act of kindness.....
As a mommy, I often question myself, my abilites, my calling, my discernment, my judgements, my decision making....and if I am making a difference in the life of my children and in my home. With Abby and David, there is a huge amount of extra work and thought that goes into raising them, guiding them and teaching them because of their delays.
For all parents, we find ourselves repeating over and over instructions, life principals, guidlines...and all the while praying that we are instilling in our children the truth, knowledge and understanding of who God is in their life, and what His calling is on their lives. Christian, ("Religious") or not, we all question ourselves in our parenting and if we are making a difference?
God knew that I as a parent, needed some reassurance yesterday when Abby prayed over her brother. That was one of the blossoms from the seeds I have been planting in her life from day one. Now please don't take that sentence that I "have it all together", or "it is because of ME..." that Abby responded the way she did. It is because of what God is doing in our family through our obedience to Him, that she spoke the truth as she did. We don't always get to see the fruits of our labor,or the "harvest" of our work, but sometimes...just sometimes, God gives us a glimpse of what He sees as He follows behind us and grows the blossoms.
Tonight, I go to sleep so thankful for the fragrance of the blessings in my life that are a result of God's work...and God's work alone. Tonight I was reminded by Beth Moore, "Never minimize the implication of what God gives us to do. What we do is something of value...He will strengthen you as you pour yourself out on others".
Isaiah 58:6-11 says (paraphrased)
"If you spend yourself....
* your light will rise in the darkness
* the Lord will guide you always;
* your needs will be satisfied
* your frame will be strengthened
* you will be like well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail"
