My Wise Friend

Proverbs 14:1
"Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands."

One of the things God has always blessed me with is good and godly female friendships. My female friends are indeed the jewels and treasures in my life.

Today I was mulling in my head the various struggles and issues that I am facing as a mother and a step-mother. I called my high school friend Catrina. She home schools 3 boys and has taken in a friend's teenage daughter as a 4th child. I knew she could give me a little perspective.

But it wasn't a little perspective, it was a deep well of wisdom. And I drank with much thirst. I so appreciate a wise woman. A woman humble enough to share her faults and brag about the grace and mercy and intention of God in conforming her to Christ. Catrina had a spiritual and practical answer for every one of my issues --- it was such an encouragement to me.

I will credit her husband Nate too who I know also encourages in her daily efforts to nuture, train, and grow her family. She also has to be reminded of the big picture regularly because like me, and many moms, we get distracted by the daily little "dramas" or mishaps or unscheduled happenings.

Is the life I am providing this child the best for this child regardless of seeing or not seeing "results" from this child? Am I remembering to submit to God's authority to serve and love and pour out grace regardless of this child's appreciation or lack of appreciation?

Are my eyes on the seeds I can plant and NOT looking at the soil impatiently for the seeds to finally sprout?

It came down to this: I am a farmer. I am here to plant seeds of Christ in my children. I am not here to force those seeds to grow. If they start to grow, I am here to provide the environment and relationship to nuture it. But plant, plant, plant. Its a good thing I look so cute in overalls.

Plant honesty. Plant service. Plant grace. Plant selflessness. Plant sacrifice. Plant joy. Plant patience. Plant mercy. Plant compassion. Plant dependability. Plant peace. Plant kindness. Plant wisdom. Plant gentleness. Plant forgiveness. Plant, plant, plant.

Yes, I am to plant the seeds of Christ. But I am also to grow the seeds that are already in me too. No point in planting if the seeds in me aren't growing and blooming and bearing fruit.

Thanks Cat.