Take a Picture

"I should have taken a picture."

His eyes surveyed the kitchen in search of the photographic gem to which I was, no doubt, referring. He found nothing. "Of what?"

"Of this." My arm swept the room. "It was clean this morning."

Really clean. I don't mean clean for a home of 6. I mean, legitimately clean.

But in the battle of stuff and counters. Really, the counters were just outnumbered. And trampled. By the stuff.

And I was tempted, so tempted, to view the morning scrub as a wash. Why? Why, when it's just going to get messy again?

Ever feel like a hamster on a wheel? Always moving- never getting anywhere? Wake up. Shower (maybe). Feed. Eat. Drink...

Fear not, for I am with you...

In a world where my most immediate threat is the flu bug or if the snow pants from last year will fit the kids, those words could threaten hollowness.

But they don't.

Because my most immediate fears come from within- not without.

What if it doesn't matter?
What if I miss something?
What if I can't protect them?
What if they don't need me?

Because, while I feel like my little feet are scrambling over already trodden ground, I see the progression of time. Measured it in foliage, store merchandise, farm machinery consuming the hillsides. Reaping what they sow, I know I will too one day.

What if I screw up?

He answers that fear as clearly as He does every other fear- with His name.

Screw up? Lauren surely will. It's a when, not an if.

But God never screws up. He created me, recreated me, and I bear His name.

But now thus says the Lord,

he who created you, O Jacob,

he who formed you, O Israel:

 

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name, you are mine...

 

Everyone who is called by name,

whom I created for my glory,

whom I formed and made."

 

Isaiah 43:1, 7

I should have taken a picture. Not because it was so awesome (which it really was), but because this ground that we tread, as worn as it may be, is hallowed ground. The Lord of all creation dwells within us, blesses the messes, and uses it all for His glory.

Praying that your world reflects the glory of your Lord today, no matter how cluttered, dusty, or grimy it may be. The Father chose a trough to hold His only Son, and He has chosen us as well!

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This morning, I am linking up with Simply Beth for Three Word Wednesday! Want to read some wonderful posts on three words? Just click on the button on the right!