We said goodbye to my parents yesterday. It was definitely a time of mixed emotions: thankfulness for their visit - it has been such a blessing having them here; sadness - it's always hard to say goodbye; relief - knowing that we'll be seeing them in 3 and half months, which I'm sure will fly by; doubt - wondering if I'm up to the task of handling 3 under the age of 3 without their help. Josh asked at the dinner table who was going to go through the most Nyanya and Babu withdrawal. I know without a doubt it will be me!
But as I was journaling in my time with the Lord on this Valentine's day - I reflected on how much love surrounds me. The love my parents made in making the financial sacrifice to come down here and be with us at this time. The love they've shown me my whole life in parenting me - how much you appreciate you parents after you are one. A loving husband who serves me and our children beyond measure. The love and snuggles of our daughters. The love of our friends and family from a far. Most of all the love of our God in our Savior, Jesus, and the other countless blessings He bestows in His favor.
And in reality, the answer is - I'm not up to the task of raising 3 under the age of 3! At least, not without Him. Part of the reason I liked Faith for a middle name for Jana is because I knew that it was only going to be through faith in Him that we would be able to raise these beautiful girls in His light. The last few days the refrain to a hymn has been running through my head "Living by faith, in Jesus above, Trusting, confiding in His great love, From all harm safe in His sheltering arm, I'm living by faith and feel no alarm".
May God grant you the faith you need to meet the task of living day by day.
5 comments:
Julie -- Thank you for sharing your thoughts... Please know I am praying for you, thinking of you, and wishing with all my heart that I could be closer to you right now to help you out around the house or just cuddle and play with those sweet girls! Tell Michaela I am looking forward to having lots of tea parties with her this summer -- that is definitely something I have not yet had the pleasure of, being the mommy of a boy! You guys are loved. -- Laura
Wow julie, this is an amazing post. You are a great mother. I know that with attitudes and practices like those you described here you will be able to conquer every day one day at a time.
I had 3 aged 3 and under for about 8 months until my oldest turned 4. It is a challenge - but like you said time flies. The investment that you are making in the lives of those precious girls is eternal and very much worth every tear, doubt, struggle, fear, headache, smile, cuddle, hug, kiss and prayer that we give them.
Julie,
You are a wonderful mother and there is no doubt that those 3 girls are going to grow into godly women. I love you guys. You are in my prayers.
Jamie
Yes, Julie, you can do it, but not by your own strength and wisdom, but by the Wisdom that comes from above. All the years of parenting were rolled together in one brief moment as we stood together with you in front of the Lord's Table our last Sunday in Cochabamba. God is so good and patient that in spite of all our frailities as parents He used us to lead you to faith and to the ability to share your faith now with your own little ones. Our prayer for you continues to be the one I read over you at the ladies' retreat you attended in Kenya, Philippians 1:9-11. Go with God. We love you, Mom and Dad
Love and prayers are with you! I found your blog through the Emersons. I think that Tim gets a newsletter from you but it goes to his e-mail address and I hardly ever see it. When you have time, you might want to add mine ,too tammiehacker@comcast.net
God bless you with these 3 little ones! You are brave souls to be in a foreign country for that reason alone never mind all the ministering you must do for the native people around you everyday!
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