Saturday, August 16, 2008

my call

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. ~Isaiah 40:11

At this season in my life, this verse has become very near and dear to my heart. Today is The Call in Washington,DC, a day of prayer/fasting/worship for our country. Todd & I wanted to go, and really wrestled with what the best thing to do was. Mainly because of our children. At first, I fully intended to go, but it just wasn't working out with regards to babysitting. It was going to be an incredibly long day, as the actual event was from 10 am to 10 pm; the crew from our church left the area at 6:30 this morning to head down to the capital, and would be returning very late. I wasn't sure how this would play out even if we did find sitters. So I was up and down, back and forth about what to do. Even yesterday we had someone call and offer to keep the kids for us, so I called Todd and we discussed what we should do.

We often have a hard time saying no to things, because everything feels important and/or exciting, and we are not really 'homebody' types anyway, so we always have a sense of not wanting to "miss anything"! But as we looked at our schedules, and how jam-packed it is over the next few weeks, we decided that, though we were sad to miss The Call, it was the best for our family to say "no" this time and spend the time with them, and around home, doing things we need to.

Today has been awesome. And even though I'm not there, I feel connected in my spirit to the things going on in DC. As I scrubbed my floors today, I thought about how fitting it would be to pray, as I was on my knees already! So I did - while I scrubbed, I joined with the thousands praying today, and lifted my prayers in unison with theirs, from miles away. Later, as I searched a scripture that God brought to my mind, I remembered that I could watch The Call live online, so I logged on and took some time watching/listening and praying with them.

God has reminded my heart today that He knows what it's like to be responsible for the care of young and tender ones. He knows that they have needs, and as a family we have to make choices sometimes that give them priority. He knows, because He himself is a Father who gently tends His young. And so he gently leads me, coming close to me right where I'm at, speaking to me in the midst of my 'mothering' duties, including me and not discounting me.



2 comments:

Bets said...

What an encouragement - thank you.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad that you guys did that! I remember a couple of years ago I used to say yes to everything out of guilt... but then God taught me that it's totally ok to say no. If I'm drained beyond drained then I am no good to anyone. So good for you! Have a refreshing week!