Days now have extra-special meaning. I am learning to live in the moment. I’m really there in mind, body, and spirit for my kids, husband, other family members, and friends. I’m not just physically in the same room…I am “in”volved, “in”gaged, and fully “in”vested. My kids are growing up fast. They are now 11, 9, 6, 5, and almost 3. Seems like only yesterday that our oldest, Shayli, was born.

It saddens me to think all I’ve missed due to being stressed out, worried about the future…letting my “Type A all the way” tendencies control every facet of my life. I now live differently. I don’t want to miss anymore of the life God has for me.

Even though most of us experience a mix of crazy good and crazy bad, the key to balancing all that a day brings is to claim Psalms 46:10 every morning…“Be still and know that I am God.”

Saying this verse out loud soothes my whipped body and reminds me that I am not in control. In my previous life, I was wrapped up in the “doing” side of things. Now, I’m coming into the “being” and realizing more and more why this is God’s best for His children.

Being a good mom…taking time to listen to my children, spending time bedside to pray, share, and watch them drift off to sleep, letting the dishes sit half-washed in the sink while I make the choice to sit on the couch and watch a television show, pulling myself out of the office and away from view of a screen (computer, iPod, iPhone, etc.) to have face-time for fun, laughter, and play!

Being a devoted wife…making couple time a priority, respecting the amazing gift God has given me in a spouse, admiring his leadership of the family, and thanking him for being a hard worker to provide for our needs.

This new focus has caused me to realign my priorities and treat each day as a special gift to be cherished.

While we have an exceptional medical team, had it not been for the hope and healing provided by the Great Physician, we would not be enjoying the beauty of Shafer’s life today. I am still amazed that my left kidney now resides in Shafer’s tiny body, and that God in His amazing love for us, sometimes allows organs to be shared. Modern day miracles do happen.

All of us have a story. While our stories may not be on the nonfiction bestseller list, we are playing out the details in our everyday lives. Your plot might not be health issues, but broken relationships, financial difficulties, job concerns, or a number of other crisis situations.

Don’t let the enemy derail you. He comes only to steal your joy and strip you of all God wants to present you with on your Divine walk with Him. Take in a sunrise…look for rainbows…bask in His creation and be overwhelmed by it. Hug your kids tighter tonight as you tuck them in bed instead of sending them to bed.

Make it your goal each day to do a random act of kindness for someone who can never repay you.

 

Life is never easy. As Bethany Hamilton said in the movie Soul Surfer, “I don’t need easy…I just need possible.” I couldn’t agree more. I want to be found faithful as a beloved servant of the Lord regardless of the circumstances in which I find myself.

 

And no matter how dark the night, we can rest in the promise that “all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23).

Now that’s a life I don’t want to miss!

 

All my love,
Shafer’s Mommy