Twinkle, Twinkle

I never will forget that moment...It was early December, 2009, and all three of my children as well as my husband were in the church Christmas play. The boys were playing the roles of Townspeople in Bethlehem, and Abby had been asked by an adult volunteer, and good friend, weeks before to be "The Star." "But, mommy, I don't want to be 'The Star.' I want to be an angel."
I heard my daughter's plea, but I insisted to her that since she was the tiniest and had been asked, that it would be the polite thing to do. She wimpered a little, tried to cry...but, I talked it up enough to get her through those last few rehearsals. The night of the play...she got teary-eyed again with more of the same, "But, mommy, I don't want to be 'The Star.' I want to be an angel." She was truly disapppointed...and my heart was touched. She was heartbroken..and, you have to see, God was working to teach ME ... the one who needed to learn ... through my precious one. And, it has taken me a year to put it all together!

You see, this year, Abby IS AN ANGEL in the play!!!

She is the happiest little angel, singing with the multitude. She is by far more blessed and pleased to be one of several singing together, making it happen, being part of a team...sharing fellowship, friendship, worshipping together...it is precious.

And, you wonder where the lesson is for mom...I won't go into great detail here...but, for those who know my recent struggles best...I am far better suited to be "singing with the multitudes, pleased to be making happen, being part of a team, sharing fellowship, friendship...being together" and after difficult decisions realize now how precious it is.

Now, please don't misunderstand me...Abby and I both understand the role of "The Star..." it shined, it led, it probably sparkled and twinkled...it drew attention...it was a 'VIS' (VERY IMPORTANT STAR). We appreciate it, understand it's value and are so thankful for it!

However, Abby..."I don't want to be 'The Star' either!"
Thank you for teaching me...and being patient with me as it took me a year to get it right!

Can't wait to see you singing with the Angels! I'll be the one smiling from the front - totally getting your joy in being an angel! And, we will be praising Jesus together!
(...and pics will follow, I promise!)

New Leaf

Since today is Thanksgiving, it is, in my mind, the perfect day to explain that I have recently "turned over a new leaf"! Life has changed alot for me...and boy, is my cup overflowing with thankfulness. My secular working role has changed significantly after
much
prayer and searching for God's will...and when He aligns His Word with your present circumstances...it all works for GOOD! It is amazing to me that my life could change so significantly so quickly, the quality of my days be so phenomenal, my strength being renewed like the eagles...and the joy...

oh, the joy...

the peace and JOY...
that floods my soul...knowing that I am in the center of God's will, had a great learning experience where I have been, can look back without regret, and move forward with delight is overwhelming. Not many people are blessed to be able to return to their previous working environment with renewed vigor...to see it with brand new eyes...to appreciate it more fully...

...but, by His grand design, I have returned. And, my co-workers, who have known me for years, frequently say...
"You have been all 'giggles' since you've been back..."

or

"You smile ALL the time..."

One of them even came in and said, "I feel like I am getting to know you for the first time!" We talked for awhile, and I finally realized what this person meant. My previous role took more from me than I had realized, and I lost a large part of myself and what I had hoped to represent because I had lost sight of my priorities with good intentions, trying to do the enormous job laid before me - which was impossible while trying to be a wife and mother too!

So, now my true self is able to shine through. And, I know that the Lord is pleased that I listened and obeyed... and
turned over the leaf!
Happy Thanksgiving, 2010!
(and yes, I am smiling and giggling!)