Come Unto Me

Guest poster Gina eloquently shares about a struggle I know full well… whether to trust fully in Jesus and go to Him for all that I need, day in and day out, or to foolishly attempt to do life on my own meager strength.
 
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29) Everyday we are presented with choices. We can chose to come to Jesus with our every need and every problem, or we can try to solve it all in our own strength. Which way will I chose today? 

A not so great day, not so long ago

I tumbled out of bed after trying unsuccessfully to calm my newborn's colic-like stomach. A new day had dawned, yet I did not feel refreshed or revitalized. Though this issue was nothing new for me, it was still an exhausting experience to journey through. I sleepily made my way downstairs to find the children playing around instead of getting their morning chores finished and starting their devotionals and Bible reading. Not ever having been a morning person, I really had to battle to keep my attitude in check. However, this morning I was losing that battle. "What are you guys doing?" I asked indignantly. Rather upset at their lack of responsibility, I spouted off orders to prod them into action. After giving Michael his various herbal remedies for his tummy, I fed the toddlers breakfast, finished cleaning up the kitchen, changed diapers and dressed little ones… All the while, the dark cloud I woke up with followed me around everywhere I went. Not a hint of a smile dared cross my face. When will Michael outgrow this phase? Why do they always fight? Will I ever be able to get dressed? Can I really handle all this? One after another negative thoughts bombarded my mind as I went about the daily tasks and guiding the children. 

The day continued on in like fashion until at last the children were all in bed. As I collapsed into bed, I realized I hadn't spent anytime with my husband and missed him. Yet, I was so drained emotionally, physically, and mentally that my body just started to shut down. I knew it would only be a few hours before I would be awakened by a hungry newborn ready for one of many night feedings…

A better day, hopefully better continually

After such a terrible day, I vowed to make this one different. Knowing that my attitude and spirit would ultimately determine whether there was joy or misery, laughter or yelling, peace or unrest I chose to create a better atmosphere this day in my home. With a crying baby, I went downstairs to find his homeopaths and herbs to ease the indigestion and gas. Chaos awaited in the hub of our home. Calling everyone's attention, I directed the children to sit at the dining room table. After they had all settled themselves in, I explained how each day we have choices to make. God will not force Himself onto "our" day. He is a gentleman and will only knock on the door to our hearts. This morning represents a new day where we can determine whether we will serve the Lord or not. After asking each one of their decision of who would take the lead for the day, we prayed a simple prayer. 

As the children left to finish their morning tasks, I knew I had much to do. The day loomed ahead of me with an endless to-do list at the forefront. Instead of heeding to the urgent call to check off item number one, I opened my Bible up to read Matthew 11:29, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…" I knew that if today was to be a better day, I had to talk with the Lord in little droplets about everything that came into my mind. I prayed about my children and their desires to serve God, for my husband and our marriage that it would continue to strengthen and be blessed, for our home, our finances, our church, our friends, our family, the list never really ends, does it? With all these concerns I wanted them left in peace with God, instead of worry in me. 

Being thankful throughout the day was a sure fire way to maintain victory over my seemingly overwhelming responsibilities. So, whenever I came upon something I was thankful for, I told Him. Instead of dwelling on the supposed negative problems surrounding me, I looked for ways to be thankful -because in all honesty, things could always be worse. If nothing comes to mind, I am always touched by the memory of when God saved my soul. I pray my mind will continually replay the time when He called me with such love, grace and mercy at a time when I was so dreadfully lost and hopeless.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33) God gives us roses each day – but those roses do still have thorns! If we keep our focus on Christ, then we will remember that all things work together for our good. The key is for us to remain in Christ. Stay in communion and connected with the One who gives peace and joy so that we will not grow weary in doing well.  I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) Let us go to Jesus throughout the day, that His life might overflow onto the lives of those around us.

Gina is one blessed lady to have a loving husband and 6 beautiful children. She is thankful God dealt with her to homeschool their children. Her heart is passionate about finding the will of God in all areas – especially natural living, Christian homemaking, wholistic health, and home education. Gina blogs about her journey at .