Sunday, January 10, 2010

The Myth of the Perfect Parent | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction

The Myth of the Perfect Parent Christianity Today A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction

This caught my eye - I've been known to obsess over my track record as a parent (don't deny it - you have, too!) and I found it strangely reassuring.

Daydreaming...

It's winter time in PA, so that means COLD.  Not Alaska cold (most of the time), but colder than I like. 

I'm dreaming of summer and working in my garden.  There's nothing I like better than to putter about in the garden and care for my flowers and vegetables. 

And on that note... goodnight!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Fresh Start

The thing about "grace" that most people don't get is that it is free and unconditional.  I am part of "most people".  In my head, I understand grace and the implications; in my heart, I still dredge up my shortcomings and failures.

Why do I ruminate over long-forgiven sins?  Why do I dwell on what I didn't do instead of what I can do right now?  Why do I pick at the scabs in my heart and refuse to let them heal?   [sigh]  I could probably come up with some psychological explanation to satisfy those who like that sort of thing, but the real issue is pride.  I am prideful. I want my life to be perfect, and when it isn't I think that others notice my failure to do so. 

I have never kept a single New Year's resolution, not because I didn't want to, but because they were so impossibly abstract and lofty that it was impossible.  But this year I resolve to "take each day as a fresh start."

Each day is a new and precious gift from God, and I resolve to make the most of it.  Forgiven sins will be pushed aside to make way for the gifts of today.  I want to notice the little glint in my husband's eye instead of the gloom in my heart; to experience the wonder of silence instead of the drum beat of failure; to walk with a sense of anticipation instead of dread.

May twenty-ten bring you many blessings from God!