Seeing God in the Stuff of Life

Sitting in my study listening to Shane and Shane. I just put down two toddlers for their naps and am enjoying a nice warm cup of tea. I can hear their chatter as my room is across from theirs. I’m wondering how many songs I will listen to before they fall asleep

I had hoped to get to the “bush” this morning for my time with the LORD.

But found myself setting up pack and plays, putting out toys and checking the fridge for yogurt and fruit, smiling and remembering the days when my children were little. Finding time to read was always a challenge. I wondered if my mind would turn to mush. I’ll never forget the time I was on the way to an overnight retreat with some friends. Driving by a cow in a pasture, I cried out, “Look, a moo-moo.”

My life was full of diapers, laundry, soothing boo-boos, and seemingly meaningless activities!!

What happened to all my dreams? Like ministering in the wild of Africa, leading some non-profit and changing lives all over the world or dodging death in the inner-city while sharing the gospel?? Oh yeah, and maybe I could write a book or two and run with the likes of Harrison Ford searching for some ancient biblical treasure…or better yet, Noah’s ark.

I can still remember to this day where I was when I was fussing quietly in my heart to the LORD. The kids and I were in the utility room getting ready to go outside and play when this quiet thought hit me, like thunder.

“Are the people in Africa more important than your children?!! Your children need you, too, and I have called you to minister to them!!”

As I look back over my life, I have not done any great things. Well, at least not the things I would’ve considered great.

It seems at every turn there was always stuff that needed to be done. The house needed to be cleaned, the dishes done, groceries bought and food that needed to be prepared. Then my sweet grandbabies came!!!! There was babysitting, Mimi’s camp, and birthday dates. Then during all this stuff, my sweet mama began to get older. And she needed me.

I cried out to the LORD, “I wanted to do great things for You!!!” And once again, He spoke quietly to my heart. “Bobbie, be faithful in the little things and let Me lead!!” And I began to find Him in the ordinary stuff of life.

I look at my children and I see the life of God in them!! I feel a little bit like David. He did not get to build the temple, but his son did.

My tea has gotten cold and it’s time for me to wrap this up before my daughter’s foster babies wake. I didn’t get to the “bush” today, but I am learning that Christ is in me. I carry Him wherever I go!! If I don’t get that quiet time or cup of coffee, I just take Him with me, and we talk along the way  

Whatever stuff is before us, may the LORD continually open our eyes to see Him in it!!!