Weak?

A moment today...one of our children said "everyone thinks I am weak.  My friends too."  What a heart-wrenching comment to hear out of one of the most precious souls you could love...it was a moment for me take a deep breath, realizing our children are with us for a short few moments. So I have a choice.   Do I overreact at the dropping of the watermelon b/c of slippery hands...Or do I stop and realize there's more to this little incident.  I would love to share with you that I have it all together and never misappropriate my reactions.  :)  Ha.


But this time, I did it right!  I paused...at least the melon burst into the already dropped trashcan lid  making cleanup so easy.  I saw the pain in the small set of eyes looking back at me; this is not about dropping the melon and disappointing mom.  Next, the comment I previously shared.  Weak.  I wanted to shout, "it doesn't matter what others say!"  But it does matter what your friends say if it is becoming the truth that you believe about yourself.  Then you think people are expecting the least of you.  At a young age, this is a moment to shift that opinion.  Practice self-talk that makes you HEAR a voice inside say "I am special.  I am made by God and my family loves me."   This was more beneficial than any camp they could attend or better than any concert they could perform in or better than any test they could ace.


The moment expanded to f2f, breaching personal space laws, speaking truth "Jesus says NOT by might or power...be of strong heart!  W/O love it's all just noise or empty service."  It was a reminder that in our little family, at our simple supper table...the body of Christ begins.  This is the equipping of the saints to go forth and preach the Gospel.  To spread the news of hope.  To walk humbly, not proud and finish well.


With that strength through God's power, these children of ours will make a difference.  They will plant seeds, water gardens, pull weeds, and harvest.  They will set an example of Jesus, a simple servant filled with compassion...not one with robes of glamour and awards.  It's funny this picture...humility, servant-hood, going last, dusty feet, slow moving, showing up late...the description of weak?  Well it's what "they" say is weak but God says it is having a heart like His.  I am sure the island John lived on was lonely...the end of his life, weary body, low vision...But through his weak end-of-life experience, God was able to give new sight and reveal Himself to John, recording Revelation.


May more moments like these happen so that I may be strengthened!