28 September, 2011

Peter and Me

Peter, walking on the water, his eyes on Jesus and his heart full of faith. Full of confidence, he knows that Jesus won't let him sink........or will He? Peter falters for a second and looks around. What if? What if Jesus isn't big enough or maybe doesn't care enough? His feet begin to slowly lose their confidence and the water starts to rise. Jesus? Are you out there?

Peter is a close relative of mine. Today i started sinking. I am no super woman and i can't do it all. I started out full of faith, trusting that God can do the impossible in my life. I can homeschool, carry yet another child under my heart, take care of my mother, keep a clean house, cook good meals, minister to the hurting around me, read to our children, laugh and love with my husband, prepare for childbirth, deal with hormones.......all because my eyes are on Jesus and He won't let me down. Me and Jesus. Right Jesus? Jesus? Are you still there?

Today the water didn't just cover my feet, they covered first my heart and then my entire being. I took my eyes off Jesus, looked around at the impossibility of my life, and realized i can't. In despair, I lost my temper with a child and afterwards i sat and held him and cried. I cried for all the little hurts that i give my children and i cried for all the little and big hurts that come into my life and for all the things i wish i could do and be. My little son laid against me and when i was finally calm, he looked at me and smiled, his eyes full of love. He deserves better than me but he doesn't know that. Yet. Will he someday? I held his face in my hands and whispered that i was sorry and that i love him. He nodded, believing in me, and i felt the water recede just a bit.

I'm still surrounded, the waters lapping at my feet, waiting to suck me under........ me and the ones i love best.  Is my faith big enough to keep walking? When the waves around me are higher than my head, will i have the strength and courage to look to Jesus? When i can see only the failures and ugliness in my life, will Jesus still be waiting for me to walk on the water with Him?

After supper and a hot bath, i sit on the couch with three little boys surrounding me, along with a few big ones, and we look at a book. They snuggle beside me, secure and happy, and i know that i have no choice but to keep my eyes on Jesus. He is my only hope, OUR only hope........my only lifesaver.

The waters are still there........but Jesus Himself stands tall, bigger than any wave that threatens to wash over me. By faith i will turn my eyes back to Him.

9 comments:

  1. thanks for sharing darla... my husband is gone on the truck all week... im at home homeschoolin my 2 boys....so often im like peter and dont even realize it. this was a good reminder 4 me. keep sharing, Anna stauffer

    ReplyDelete
  2. God bless you for sharing - and I too can so relate- praying for strength for you today- Gina

    ReplyDelete
  3. thanks for sharing. I so often feel overwhelmed, sinking in those waters. (My husband is gone all week on the truck as well and we have 2yr old twin boys and a 5 yr old boy,) Thanks for the reminder to keep my eyes on Jesus! With Him, and only with Him, as I keep my eyes on Him, and simply trust I can make it. God bless your day and bless you for sharing.
    In Christian love,
    Denise Weaver

    ReplyDelete
  4. Keep on keeping on, Darla! You are focusing on the Goal! You will not sink with Him in sight! Love you girl and praying for ya! Jewel

    ReplyDelete
  5. Darla, One night I was lying in bed in the middle of the night, depressed about some things and even starting to question if God is really out there. Well, the very next day Jacob asked a question about blogging so I came onto your blog to check out the layout...and read the last two blogs I'd missed..they were EXACTLY the encouragement I needed right then. I felt like God had kept me from reading them till just when they'd speak to me the most. Thank you for being His instrument ! Hugs. Jan

    ReplyDelete
  6. I totally understand, Darla . . . May He lift you up on eagles wings and may you FEEL the everlasting arms underneath carrying you . . .

    "When thou passeth through the waters, I will be with you . . . ." I love this verse.

    Hugs and prayers for today. When are you due? - Aimee

    ReplyDelete
  7. I just wanted you to know how much I miss you on your blog. I know you are busy with a new baby and your wonderful family. I am praying for you and hope all is well for you and your family. Have a wonderful Christmas and a marvelous New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I keep checking your blog to see if you posted a pic of the new baby.I know you are a busy Mother!Wishing you a Blessed Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm here honeys, do you have enough TRUE FAITH to even watch?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlIdVBJ36fI

    Jesus

    ReplyDelete

Please leave your name (if it is not in your Google ID) so we know who you are. Thanks.