Encourage one another. Such a simple command, but one that is restated often in a myriad of ways in the book of Hebrews and throughout the rest of Scripture. As a mother, I am often convicted that I am not sharing encouraging words with my children, that I need to be careful how I approach situations, that I need to be mindful of what words I use as I correct or affirm. However, I’m a lot less likely to consider the need I have to hear words of encouragement.
Potty training and cleaning up after sick tummies and helping with homework and refereeing disagreements are moments that seem to be endless. All of these drain the energy and the joy out of the days. These are the ugh moments of parenting. These are the times when I feel worn thin and stretched out. Life keeps marching on with its normal daily challenges and yet the energy to meet the day seems to come in smaller and smaller amounts.
Just hear me. The Lord Jesus loves you. He has chosen you for this particular time and for these particular children. The Lord Jesus is not surprised by the obstacles in your day and has in fact equipped you for every good work–even cleaning up the spilled breakfast on the floor.
Even in these moments and days when it seems like one thing after another keeps you from Bible Study or your play group or your time out of the house, the Lord’s mercies are new every morning and His faithfulness is great. Sometimes that faithfulness is articulated in your life by just enabling you to make one more grilled cheese sandwich for dinner and wipe one more runny nose. Look up. He is pouring out His love on you–He chose you.
If we are to uplift one another, and you and I both need words of affirmation, then who is speaking encouragement into your life? And who have you spoken these words to recently? As we walk this road of parenting we need to be arm and arm with other parents also doing this hard thing. You are doing a great job at this very difficult task. Won’t you speak those words to someone today? It may be just what they need to hear.
Lisa
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