The Power In a Cup of Coffee

September 5, 2013

1:30pm

Are you still feeling irritated?

In my previous post, I was feeling a bit blah. There's no logical explanation other than the fact that I'm human. I make mistakes and I have mood swings. Does this excuse my behavior with Jay? Not at all. But, I do recognize that I'll have those days in which I just don't want to do anything. But, then I had a cup of coffee at noon. Not like I normally do at 7:30am. The moment I took that first sip of that French Roasted brew, it got me thinking. Life before this week was pretty straightforward. I was a wife and mom. I handled my wifely duties, while raising my children. In no way, shape, or form was it easy, but I had a pretty good grasp on it. Now, I'm a teacher. A full-time teacher. Deuteronomy 6 says that we are to teach our children at home, while walking outside, going to the grocery store, etc. Yes, I know I'm speaking a bit out of context. In this chapter, Moses is speaking to the new Israelites about the laws and decrees the Lord has given them to follow. Moses is instructing them to teach these commandments to their children "so that we might always prosper and be kept alive". (Deut. 6:24) To me, this means that I need to teach Jay and Madison all that they need to know in order to understand who the Lord is, what He is truly about, what He wants for us, and all that He has already blessed us with. 

My coffee mug. Birthday gift from mom. I love the pun in this, considering I love Marvel comics and my husband wears an Army uniform everyday to work. ;-)

What a burdensome task I've been given. Scary, even. I'd like to think that all I'll ever need to concern myself with is me and my thoughts and actions, but how selfish would that be? Jesus never complained once when He was on that cross. And He gave His life for the trillions of sinners that would come AFTER His time! Could any of us, today, make such a sacrifice? For people like Hitler? Bin Laden? Or even Walt Disney, with his alleged racist self? Absolutely not. But, the least I can do is educate my children. One of Jay's lessons helped me to remember that. The scripture for that lesson is my favorite scripture: Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." That's what it's about. The Lord said "If you love me, keep my commandments". (John 14:15) And, I love Him. I love Him more than I love my children and husband. He's the one who blessed me with my family. There would be no Berry family had it not been for the Lord. 

As I finished my cup of coffee and gave thought to all that I've been blessed with, I was in a much better mood. I've been in prayer all day long, asking the Lord to forgive me for my attitude and to help me work through it. I know that He's answered all of my prayers, because things could've been so much worse. Jay completed all of his assignments within the allotted time frame and followed all of my instructions. The bit of frustration he demonstrated was in response to me. I'm just glad that Jay's learning didn't suffer because of me. That's the power of the Lord's grace! We even wrapped up our day with Arts & Crafts. We made homemade pinwheels! They don't spin though. I had to use straws instead of the dowels the instructions said to use. And because the pushpin went right through the straw, we have to tape the back so we won't prick our fingers. Eh, whatever. We make good use of what we have here! *Lol*

Now, pardon me while I refill my coffee mug...