The Grass is Greener Where You Water It

I went to the little league park to play a game of family baseball with my husband and kids. As we did, I couldn't help but notice the lush green grass under my feet. Even in the midst of winter, the grass was vibrant with life. When the game ended I walked back to my van to get my drink. I noticed a harsh reality on my way. There was a distinct line between lush and green and dead and dry.  One side of the line teemed with life and the other reflected the bitter truth of winter. To those who maintain these fields, it makes no sense to water off of the field areas. Unfortunately that results in death for the areas they no longer care for. How true is this in our lives, more specifically our marriages? In the winters of life, when we are in the depths of childrearing, we pour our energy out into the areas that most seem important. Then we start to notice the separation and distance growing. In the midst of this winter, we start to feel like we deserve better.  The worst deception in marriage is that you "deserve better". This is the proverbial "grass is greener" scenario. Think with me for a moment. Where do you invest your time, energy, efforts? Do you pour your resources into your work? Your children? Your status? Yourtime friendships? Where do you spend your "self"? This is where you are watering. If the ground you are standing on is dry and parched, have hope, its dormant- not dead. Take time to water where you are. Life is waiting to spring forth, right under your feet.

Just a nugget of sunshine...

While my youngest daughter played chess with her brother on our livingroom floor, she began to get flustered. She being only seven, was not as versed at chess as her elder sibling. In a cry of desperation she called out, "Daddy, I need your help down here." In an instant, I felt the pull of my daughter's heart and I wondered if this is how our Heavenly Father feels for us. I, her mama, was not upset or burdened by her request. Neither was her daddy. Instead we were eager to assess the problem and help her begin to find a solution. I am so thankful tonight, that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us even more than we could and longs to help us sort through this life.

The Wrong Well

For a long time, I found myself very addicted to Facebook. I went there everyday, every hour, and so on looking for some type of affirmation. I went searching for answers, validation, and ultimately my identity. I had to come back often because what I did get was empty. It was not real. Though I could see it, it was lifeless. Though it was tangible in my hands, it didn't really exist. Then it hit me, I was going to the wrong well. Jesus promised if we would come to us He would give us the ever satisfying drink. In Him, I would never be hungry or thirsty to find out who I am. I am taking steps to get up and turn away from this lifeless well. It is hard, sometimes, not to turn back and look for the affirmations of my peers. As good as they may feel, they can and have quickly turned into rejections. In Christ alone, I am always affirmed, loved, and fully known.