A Vessel For Honor

2 Timothy 2:20-21

But in a great house
there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonour.

If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

This is indeed a challenge. How difficult is it to purge ourselves from all that is from the Evil One if we cannot discern what is truly evil? I think that is a question better left up to God. Only He can make that discernment. More often than not, we are faced with issues that are not necessarity bad in themselves; however, they are not what the Master truly intended for us.

It was this subject that was posed to a group of women, of which I was apart, this weekend. How can we be vessels for honor. Ephesians 2:10 says - We are His workmanship, created for good works in Christ Jesus. This is a far reaching scripture. If we love God, then we will love His will for us, and His holy commands. There will be no questions, only praise for all the good and bad through which He brings us. He calls us to offer up ourselves, a living sacrifice to Him. In doing so, we cannot keep even the smallest part of ourselves. This means dying to ourselves in Jesus Christ and arising to new life in Him. Surrendering our physical and spiritual selves to all of His desires.

The word ALL is a vast word... our habits, our worries, our fears, our joys, our contentments, our language, our jobs, our dreams, our hopes... and the list goes on and on. This was the challenge from the Women's Ministry Conference held this weekend by Hillcrest Baptist Church. Dew4Him Ministries speaker, Jane Wolfe asked us to consider our "Take Away Message." What do people take away from a sighting or a meeting with us each time our paths cross? It's up to us to make sure that message is as pure as we can muster.

God is desperate to reach us and bring us closer into His fold. He sees us struggle with our transgressions daily. He is battling with us, and He will battle FOR us if we will let Him. I made my own promises to God this weekend. I challenge you to study this scripture and make your own promises to Him. I know that with prayer and supplication, God will mold me into the vessel for honor that he has always known I could be.

But Then...Caden Laughs

There's always some event or issue that causes us to reflect on the tangled web that is our life. It could be a family illness or tragedy, a celebration, a holiday or something simple like watching your child sleep soundly in his bed. Mine came last night as I was listening to my son laughing as he was playing in his room, I thought about how fortunate I am to have him in my life. I realized that whatever fills my head each day can all be solved by hearing that laugh.

I started planning on things we can do together as a family, and inevitably, I realize how full my calendar is each week: working full time as a commercial property manager, trying to educate myself in my field by taking classes and joining organizations, actively involved in church - singing in 2 ensembles and the adult choir, and teaching a children's praise team.

It seemed there's never enough time to do what I want to do. Then I thought about the difference between what I want to do and what I need to do and how I should balance that in my life. I can't think of any greater purpose in my life than being a mother. I am so in love with my son - probably no more than any other mother loves their children. However, I think I definitely appreciate my son more now than I would have at an earlier age. It seems I waited so long to have him, I can't imagine devoting my life to anything else. This concept is a little foreign to those of my friends who have had their children a while and are comfortable with parenthood. I have turned down engagements when it meant I would be spending time away from my son.

I recently went on a day trip and did not take him with me. Although I enjoyed my time, I missed him terribly. I thought about his reaction when he sees me after work each day - laughing that laugh and shouting "Mommy!" and running as fast as he can into my arms. It's the greatest thing, and I couldn't wait to have that again.

I'm scheduled to go on an overnight trip this weekend, and I won't be able to take my son with me. I know I will benefit from the time I'll spend with my friends as we study God's word, but I still have that longing to be home with Caden playing in the backyard and watching him fall down in laughter after a ride down the slide. I'm sure what I feel is no different than what other working moms feel: that we don't get to spend as much time as we'd like with our children. I'm keenly aware of that fact, and because I'm an older mom, I know how precious that time is. I don't want to miss a minute of it.

However....God forces me to stop and think about all of this. When we pause and take a breath, we realize that God really is in control. He knows that path chosen for our lives. It's a delicate balance between self and work and family, and sometimes the guilt of not being able to do it all is a little overwhelming. I know that there are moments when I need to be apart from my kids - if for no other reason that to grow in myself. God will see to it that my son knows he is loved by the actions that I am led to take during his growing up years.

Yes, there is wonder and uncertainty, but then....Caden laughs!

You Have to Start Somewhere...

I have recently had many thoughts go through my mind about things I'd like to remember. Trying to keep up with the technological time, I decided to breakdown and create a blog. I hope this reflection will be more of a praise journal than anything else, although I'm sure I'll get on my soapbox or sit in my pity hole every now and then. God, in His infinite wisdom will, no doubt, tell me to "get off the ledge" when I do, and I will, as always, submit to His way and let Him light my path.

I guess I'll be posting reflections as often and God gives me inspirations. Hopefully, what I have to say will be a help or an inspiration to those who read it. So, I think I'll start this new adventure with a prayer:

God, my Father, what a wonderful God you are. You have given me a voice within that was created for praise. Guide the thoughts and words of this reflection and make it one that only glorifies You. I pray this prayer in Jesus' name....Amen