Saturday, August 8, 2009

What Encourages Me?

As the mother of a dozen children ranging in age from just-turned-ten to nearly-thirty-four (and that one's still my baby!), I can get discouraged with the chaos that a large family brings. The married ones traipse home with their broods, and while I am ever-greatful for each one of them, I get to whining and complaining. "Look, the house is a mess [again!]; Sigh, I need to cook supper for about a million people [again]!"

But when a little granddaughter climbs into my lap and says in her sweet baby-voice, "I love you, Granny!", my heart melts. When a big, strapping boy (one of my sons or grandsons) offers to carry those groceries or get me a footstool, my heart is warmed.

What encourages me and helps me to keep on in spite of the noise and confusion a large family brings is the fact that these lives matter, for eternity. I am the mom. I am the granny. The one who will make a difference in the lives of each of these people.

When they see me with my Bible in hand, they know that it is precious to me. When they hear me exhort them to do well, or remind them that God is watching, they know that I know that He is real, and He is the One Who will hold us accountable. I have the privilege of teaching them that God is Just AND Good, that He is Righteous AND Merciful.

I look at my grown children, and I am encouraged to know that they are walking in truth... that they are following after God. There is no greater joy. There is no greater encouragement.

3 John 1:4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

8 comments:

  1. Janet, wow, "mother of a dozen kids" and yet it's clear you love each one with intention and purpose...and beautiful patience. Thank you for the glimpse into your heart. It's so nice to "meet" you and I'm thrilled that you're (in)!
    Holley - (in)courage

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  2. I loved your post, Janet. And that verse you shared at the end is one of my favorites! Thanks for sharing.
    Amy

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  3. Amen, sister! As mom to 18 and grandma to 4, I can relate. Your post has encouraged me and blessed me. Nice to "meet" you :)

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  4. I love this verse. Stopping by from the (in) courage website to say hello! Thank you for sharing this verse.

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  5. What a sweet post. Bravo finding blessing amongst what can seem like chaos.

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  6. Ladies, I have enjoyed browsing others' posts on encouragement, too! I'm glad you all dropped by and took the time to leave a comment. I remember when I was first saved, over 30 years ago, I longed to be an ENCOURAGER. I heard a message regarding Barnabas, who encouraged others, and immediately thought "That's what I want to be!". I see by the (In)courage site that I am not alone. It will be good to get to know other Christian women there.

    Blessings to all of you!

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  7. You are such a blessed woman!!!

    m ^..^

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  8. Sounds like an interesting and encouraging community - and, Janet, I have found you encouraging many times over. It is good that others find you, too!

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