A Compassionate Voice for the Parents of Children with Hidden Disabilities
Melanie Boudreau
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Running Out of Time?

12/2/2017

4 Comments

 


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This morning my good intentioned husband commented that I should be exerting more effort to love on our Hungarian puli dog. His comment didn’t sit well with me. What he couldn’t see were all the “shoulds” in my life. Really important shoulds like I should be calling my mother more often; I should be initiating relationally more with my faithful sister; I should be more proactive, rubbing my husband’s shoulders spontaneously because a primary love language for him is touch. These shoulds are painful for me because of the diminishing message my lack could send to those I love, as well as the knowledge of my inability to measure up to the reasonable expectations of others.


How are you not measuring up? I’m certain the answer to that question is too close to the surface. We are acutely aware that our tree isn’t decorated yet, that we are no where near to Christmas readiness, that we have no idea which gift will thrill the heart of someone important to us, and we are running out of time.


I’ve only found one solution. The solution is consecrating each and every day to God’s rule and reign, surrendering my schedule to Him. He is certain to inspire prioritization that honors what matters most. That means I might leave the dishes in my sink or a phone call not made, but spend two hours listening to the heart cry of a woman I just met in a store. And somehow still remember to call my mother afterwards. God is a multiplier when we acknowledge Him as our time keeper.


We are indeed running out of time. Time to express the heart of God in every circumstance, time to express love, time to fulfill God’s purposes on earth in the spheres He has entrusted to each one of us.


My “To do” list has become a “What would You have me to do” list. I assure you, that mindset is much easier on the heart, especially in the busy season surrounding the holidays.


4 Comments
Sophia Rodgerson
12/4/2017 02:47:22 am

I appreciate how you go straight to the heart of the matter. When we ivest in our relationship with Him first, He will redeem our time, enrich precious moments, and include devine appointments. We choose to have a Mary or a Martha kind of day!

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Melanie
12/4/2017 05:14:46 am

Without Martha the guests go hungry, and yet it was Mary’s priorities that touched Jesus. Since Jesus is the One who can serve fish that nobody went out to catch or buy, I’m thinking I’ll let Him call the shots. ;)

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Rachelle link
12/4/2017 05:06:25 am

I hadn’t thought about it but the many demands of Christmas can be a gift we give ourselves to trigger a reset button. Merry Christmas 🎄

Reply
Melanie
12/4/2017 05:15:48 am

Excellent way to view the season!

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    About Melanie

    Two of our three children have Tourette's Syndrome as well as a few other co-morbidities, inherited neuropsychiatric disorders. I'm still happily married, love life and want to share encouragement bringing hope, humor and insight into the process of raising children who are different. 

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