I am writing this post as a reminder to myself that never again will I feel bad about what I do all day. I know I'm not the only Mom/Wife that sometimes feels guilty about getting "nothing" done all day at home. The last few days, God has opened my eyes to a realization: I'm pretty good at what I do! As the previous posts have shared, we have been through a round of the sickies here at Chez Emerson (the Emerson home). It started with Caden, then I got sick, and now it seems Brett is taking his turn. Lord willing, Corban will be spared.
So as I spent lots of time by myself in bed yesterday, I had lots of time to think. This turned into lots of time for Jesus and Satan to battle control of my heart and mind. I had moments of "I don't want to be in Togo anymore" to moments of "I know this is Satan attacking my family". Several times throughout all these trials (beginning with Caden's middle of the night illness), I have heard the Lord say to me, "I will fight for you; you need only to be still."Through the walls of our bedroom, I heard my sweet husband trying to be mommy and wife for a day. I don't think he wants to do it again. ;) I asked him this morning if I could tell him something that I didn't want him to take the wrong way. I said, "after yesterday, I realized I'm pretty good at what I do." He replied with, "I think you are great at what you do."
I am so thankful that Brett and I have each other as helpmates in our family. I am thankful for a husband who respects who I am and appreciates the job I do as a mommy. I am thankful for God showing me these truths amidst a time of difficulty. This may have been the yuckiest Valentine's Day for us...but it has turned out to be one of the most memorable.
8 comments:
I called your Mom last night after I read that you all were sick. I am so sorry about that! I have a lot of respect for what you are doing, April, and for all of you there in Togo. You have been in my prayers more specifically to get well since last night! But I hold you all close in prayer for your work there. May God grant you all speedy healing!
Love,
Leanne
I hope everyone get's better soon! If it makes you feel any better, LOTS of kids here in the states are sick too! Everyone is ready for spring!
I hope you are doing better now. I am sure you aren't only very good at what you do, but you are the best thing for those boys :) But it is indeed hard work and I hope you can get rest in between everyon being sick. We have delt with the flu last week and we still have colds/coughs. Sending lots of love,
Miriam W.
April - I believe it is impossible to be a good mom without feeling "the mommy guilt." That shows how much you care for your family. I have to constantly remind myself how many children are so unloved and uncared for in this world. Everything else (including laundry and dishes) is so meaningless. If we love our children more than life itself, everything else will fall into place. We are entitled to days of getting nothing accomplished! I think you are doing a great job!
You are a great mom, April...of course, you had a great example to follow! There's an old saying that says something to the effect that "cobwebs and dusting can wait, but growing babies and rocking them can't"...so taking care of your babies is your most important job right now and you do a good job of it. You are lucky to have Brett to step in when you're under the weather. I pray you will all be better really soon! Love you all!
I felt like I could echo every thought you've had over the past few days! I think it can be especially hard in a foreign country where the reality is that daily life just takes more work to accomplish. You do a great job taking care of your family's physical needs, but also their emotional and spiritual needs too! And you're right we are so blessed to have helpmates, partners, who encourage us in what we do but because of who God made them as men bring their own daddiness to the table and wouldn't want to be the mommy too :) I love to remember too that God placed Caden and Corban with you and Brett specifically because He knows exactly who they are and exactly who they needed as a mommy and daddy in this life! They will be forever blessed by their time on this earth in your precious family! God bless you guys and feel better soon!
It seems to me you are both wonderful at the jobs you do and it is so inspiring to read of the way you trust God in your lives and in your family. I am glad to hear you are all starting to feel better as well.
The sickies are the worst - especially in a foreign country - at least that's my take on it! I'll be praying for all of you to get well and stay well. Satan sure knows how to attack us physically and mentally. You are doing a great job - maybe the most important in the world - in raising those boys - at least that's what I tell myself. May you continue to find your strength and identity in Him!
Julie
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