Today was a day to remind me once again that imperfection is my key to Christ. As Paul says, “My power is made perfect in weakness.” God’s power is most beautifully and strikingly seen in imperfection. Otherwise, people might be convinced that it is because of themselves (their talents, their background, their qualities). “Everything is from Him, through Him, and to Him (Romans 11:36).” God’s standard for us is high. Just as I was working with one of my little Sparkies the other day on his verse in AWANAS…”Be Holy, because I, the Lord your God, am Holy (Leviticus 11:44, Leviticus 19:2, Leviticus 20:7 and 1 Peter 1 15-16).” We are called to be like Him. But, we cannot be in our own strength. This is why we need Jesus. He is perfect and we can be sanctified to look more and more like Him because of Jesus and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
I have come to a point now where I don’t want to be perfect. It has been a process God has worked on with me for years. Today, I celebrate that I am imperfect and that I have no desire to be perfect. I want to give EVERYTHING I have to Christ. I want to use all the talents He has given me for Him and His Kingdom. I want the purpose of everything I do to please Him. “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever” (West Minister Confession of Faith). This requires working as hard as I am able, doing all the things He would want me to do…but not for the aim of perfection, but to please Him. I am thankful for this reminder a while back from a dear friend of mine who has had many years of wisdom in the Lord.
Today was a day of trying to get the kids to do crafts and get them on any sort of schedule. This is always a tough one for us. Just getting out the door is so hard some days. There are tears, poopie diapers, accidents, hurt feelings, and all sorts of other last minute things….by the time I am almost in the car…I really don’t want to go anywhere! I’m exhausted! Today, however, we stayed inside and tried to do a FUN craft (I thought it was a brilliant idea…but apparently, they did NOT share my enthusiasm…). We played with Fun Do. Thanks to a neighbor of mine who’s son was selling it, we got to play with it today–it was like play dough…but the kind you can eat, because it was sugar cookie dough. But, the kids got it everywhere (including all over me) and there were many tears just trying to make the dough…and fights between the siblings…and then I put it in the oven and overcooked it…. I sat on the couch feeling a bit sad. It didn’t work out as planned.
While it cooked, the kids played so nicely together and had a great time.
THEN, I gave the overcooked cookies to my kids anyway, and they ate it with grateful hearts. They even acted like they were GOOD!
I realized once again that it didn’t have to be perfect. My crafts with the kids usually aren’t. No matter how hard I try ( I have to put extra work into it because I am not naturally crafty)…things don’t turn out how I’d like.
Lewis taught Hannah how to cruise across the furniture while the cookies were cooking. He is more interested in teaching her how to walk than he is in making cookies right now. And THAT is OK!!!!
I’m so thankful for my sweet little kids…and I hope I can pay more attention to GOD’s plan for my kids each day than my own next time. It takes me being VERY still, flexible, and open to the Spirit’s leading…showing me what the right activity is for the right time. When the mood changes, I have to be willing to follow…and not continue with MY plan (no matter how great and fun and perfect it seems for the moment). It is great to have a plan (I am big on having plans and goals)…but it’s just the flexibility that is the key for us. And doing what is in the best interest of my kids. It’s knowing when to stop and change activities (this can be tough though with littles that have short attention spans!).
Good thing there is more Fun Do for another time when making sugar cookies is more appealing 🙂 It always is to me!!!
Walking in Faith 