Quiet, Grace Filled Mother- Lesson 9

Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)  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.

A beautiful and wise friend (and fellow mother of four) once pointed this verse out to me. It changed my entire outlook on this season in my life. It came at a time when I was completely overwhelmed with my job as a mother. My soldier-husband was working 80 hours a week, and we had just been stationed 2200 miles away from friends and family. I was all alone at home, trying to figure out how to make it through the day with a 3 year old, and 6 month old identical twins. Each day, each hour for that matter, was a struggle. Angela gently explained to me through her writing that I was going to be OK. She shared how the Lord was indeed leading me like a shepherd. I had my hands full of “young”, that was for sure.

Again, this verse has come to the front of my life as a mother. I now have four children, ages 6, 4, 4, and 1. Each day is still a challenge as I try to become a better mother. I want to lead by grace and positive example. When I look back on this verse, I can see that I am being led (still) by a gentle shepherd. He is guiding me gently along this path. When God refused to answer my request to be mute, he had a better plan. Each day, each new verse, each little tidbit of insight is helping me to grow.

I can close my eyes and imagine myself as a ewe, with her little ones around her. As I scan the field, I see many more ewes, all with little lambs running through their legs. We all seem a bit tired, stumbling over our little ones. Then, when we are so frustrated that we begin to stomp on those little feet underneath ours, our shepherd reaches out his staff. He guides us to a fresh stream and pasture filled with green grass. All we have to do is follow where He leads. That is the reason for this very quest. As we follow where God leads us through the Bible, we will gather our strength, and fill ourselves on the good food he provides for us. That will give us the strength we need to be Quiet Grace Filled Mothers. Thanks for being in this flock with me!