Rejoice

I can hardly believe that, in less than a week, we will welcome another one of the Lord's precious children into our family. ...and I am interrupted, as I type this, by my little Brett who reminds me of what a blessing and privilege it is to be a mother. He just called out from his bedroom, "Daddy - will you ask Mommy to come into my bedroom so I can tell her I love her?"

I am thrilled and consider myself blessed beyond all measure to be a mother. I am deeply grateful and humbled that God trusts me with this most important responsibility, and my greatest desire is to see my children grow up to love, obey and serve God.

However, as we await the arrival of our baby on Thursday, I begin to remember and anticipate the demands of an infant - round-the-clock feeding, constant diapering, (and according to Brian, "Lots of crying.") I don't want to become overwhelmed and stressed by the needs of an infant (Not to mention the demands of a five and three year old!).

I am reading the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan (for the 3rd time!) He reminds of us of the verse Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!...Do not be anxious about anything. (Philippians 4:4-6) Then he goes on to write, When I am consumed by my problems - stressed out about my life....-I actually convey the belief that I think my circumstances are more important than God's command to always rejoice.

My prayer is that I will not forget that life is all about God and not about me at all... let me rejoice in Him always and be reminded of what a honor and blessing it is to be a mother - a job that yields eternal benefits!

--Beth Ann


I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. -Philippians 4:11