It’s Holy Week. And I’ve got kids ages 16 months to 22 years. I’ll be doing everything from making bunny cupcakes and dying eggs to talking through long nights with my big girls about all the big things happening in their lives. Having children that span the age of an entire generation often puts me in some funny juxtapositions.
And yes, it can be exhausting. Overwhelming. Hilarious.
With Daly Kay, Ryli and Bliss and their friends, I am often the youngest mom.
With baby Vaughn, I am the oldest.
In fact, I could legitimately be his grandmother. I have to put on my reading glasses to even see the words of Goodnight Moon.
But I came across this verse in my reading for this week’s Bible study– which I’ll be reading along with my sophomore girls from Sunday school– and I thought some of you might find it encouraging too.
“Now I confer on you the royal authority my Father conferred on me so you can eat and drink at my table in the kingdom and be strengthened as you take up responsibilities among the congregations of God’s people.” Luke 22.
Jesus spoke these words to His disciples at the Last Supper. Some people might focus on the word authority, but I think the best word in there is strengthened. We need to be strengthened by God to do the jobs He has laid out for us. We all have responsibilities to fill that are uniquely ours and they can be exhausting…overwhelming…and at times it is truly hilarious that the God of the universe would give us the particular responsibilities He has given us.
(like giving a woman with no patience 16 kids…that’s frickin’ hilarious alright. it’s often one of the first things people most often say when they discover I am a mom to so many– “You must have so much patience.” )
Even in His last few days, His last few hours on earth, Jesus took time to remind us that He has strength for us to do the jobs He has laid out for us. No matter how exhausting, overwhelming or hilarious those responsibilities are.
Ashley Flora says
That’s so funny and true! I only have five kids and people always say you must have the patience of a saint but nothing could be further from the truth! God works in mysterious ways and he’s definitely still molding me. Thanks for this I needed it this week! 😘
Michelle Wiginton says
Love your heart, Lyette! Each one of your children is a blessing in their won right and will bless you in different and special ways all of your days!
Christa Briney says
I really needed this!!! Thanks for sharing!