There are so many times that we or I can think of all the negative words, actions, motives, etc...that are taking place within our family unit. Constantly dealing with 9 naturally selfish people can be draining sometimes and difficult as well. It is only by the grace of God that any of us can break away from that nature and truly become unselfish which results in a much better home life.
I did not think that an incident that happened 9:30 last night would prove to be a life-learning lesson for me and one of my children. As I was putting away our food to go into the refrigerator I knocked my beloved olive oil dispenser (that was recently filled to the top) off the counter and onto the floor it crashed. The glass broke into a ton of different pieces and the oil filled the floor and splattered onto the walls. What a mess...had it been one of the children I am afraid I may have gotten angry with them. Since it was me, I just wanted to cry because I really felt like I was being careful and it was an accident. So glad it was me and not them. I wanted to say many things, but decided to keep my mouth shut and begin cleaning. Other than Keith, I was the only one able to clean because of the potential to get cut. By the time I finished, I thought "Oh well, it was just some of my favorite olive oil and my favorite oil dispenser. These are just things. We will replace them one day."
Madison (12) had been washing up some dishes and watching the entire thing. I could have screamed and hollered easily, but thankfully the Lord helped me keep my emotions in check.
Last night, on his way to bed, Keith found a note at the top of our steps addressed to me and him. This morning he gave it to and told me to read it. The note was from Madison, and inside of it was all the money that she had. She wanted me to know that the Lord had been leading her to give it away and now she had a person to give it to. She asked that I buy some more oil and a new dispenser. You don't know how good it was to see one of your children fulfilling an act that is so pleasing to the Father. Pastor Johnny Hunt is one of the most giving people I know and he is always encouraging us to do the same. He says we are never more like Jesus than when we give. It is catching on and the Holy Spirit is doing a work. How could I give back money (and I so wanted to) to someone that believes this is exactly what God wanted her to do.
We are going to get some more oil and I am going to let her pick out the new dispenser. It will forever be a reminder to me of the generous act and manifestation of the Lord at work in the hearts of our children. Don't give up....for in due season you shall reap.
Thankful for the loving heart of our oldest,
Nichole
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Galatians 6:9
What a beautiful story! I am so thankful that you shared it! There are SO MANY lessons here! Considering how you (or I, as I put myself in this scenerio to apply it to my own life and NEED for growth) would have reacted if it had been one of the children, the way you CHOSE to react as opposed to the way your flesh WANTED to react, the PRECIOUS response of a beautiful child, and your ability to NOT return the money (as well as the reason for not returning it), and I love that you will make her a part of choosing the replacement! Thanks for a fresh breathe during a time when it often times seems hard to breath. Think of you often and pray for you each time I do. Miss you!
ReplyDeleteOH MY WORD THIS MADE ME CRY! Im not pregnant and should not be crying over blogs lol, its the emotional havoc all these changes have done to me - told you, they made me feel crazy when I came here :) - but no really, what an awesome post.
ReplyDeleteMadison is so sweet and I see such a beautiful spirit in her, and I can only pray and hope that my boys will grow up that well.
Makes me want a daughter too.
TJ Maxx btw is a great place to find oil despensers for less. I love their home good area in the store. They cost half of what Bed Bath and Beyond would cost.
So just a thought ;-)
If you need some oil let me know too, I have some coconut and extra virgin oil you can use if need be, til yours is replaced.
I just hopped on here from Drea's blog. What a WONDERFUL and ENCOURAGING story this is!!! As moms we pour SO much into our kids in hopes they'll come to know and love Jesus, right? But man oh man it seems like experiencing moments where the "fruits of our labors" are few and far between. (Especially for me since my kids are 4, almost 3 and 3 months!) So I love that verse...what an encouragement to keep pressing on. What a beautiful example your daughter has shown! You must be ONE PROUD MAMA!!
ReplyDeleteI read from Drea's blog too. I'm not pregnant either and it made me cry. It shows me that I have a lot to learn as a mommy. I have to admit that my temper has been very short lately and I really have to remind myself that my DD is 2 and it isn't her fault. LOVE!!!!
ReplyDeleteGOOD MORNING, YOUR DAD & I BOTH READ THIS WONDERFUL STORY ABOUT YOU AND OUR MADDIE SUE! OUR HEARTS SWELLED AND I CRIED A LITTLE (:.) YOU BOTH ARE BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT AND ALL FOR GOD'S GLORY AND HIS KINGDOM!! YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH TO US. WE LOVE YOU ALL. GRANNA
ReplyDeleteWow. This really touched my heart! Thank you so much for sharing such a precious story!
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