We All Have Our Moments

A few weeks ago my daughters (2 and 4) and I went to Aldi to complete our bi-weekly shopping trip.  Both girls were excited to help count apples, get yogurts, or retrieve cartons of juice.  And people noticed.

By the time we reached the checkout line both girls were in the cart, gently putting items on the conveyor belt and having a joyous time.  More than one positive comment from spectators was heard about these jolly little helpers, and I admit it–I was proud of my little munchkins.  “Life is going alright,” I concluded.  “Maybe I’m starting to get this parenting thing under control.”

At least that was what I was starting to think until only a few hours later, as the girls were in the bathtub completing their bedtime routine.  I had a horror of a revelation—I had forgotten to take supper to a friend of mine as promised.  She is fighting cancer and had just had her latest chemo treatment.  I had promised to take her supper to give her a break from the kitchen…and I forgot.

I felt awful.  I called her and begged forgiveness.  Thankfully, she had some leftovers in the fridge and I was able to bring her lunch the next day. But the lesson was learned–

“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone who is among you not to think more highly of yourself than what one ought to think, but to think sensibly, as God has apportioned a measure of faith to each one.” (Romans 12:3)

We all struggle in different areas of our lives.  We all have good days and bad days.  We have moments when our kids act like precious angels and others in which they may more resemble holy terrors.  Rejoice in both, because God is using them to make you more like Him.  And also remember both the next time you might be inclined to judge others because maybe, just maybe, this is their bad moment–the one they need encouragement to get through–instead of an accusation because they failed in that area again.

“And do not judge, and you will never be judged. And do not condemn, and you will never be condemned. Pardon, and you will be pardoned.” (Luke 6:37)

Come on, sisters, let’s do a little encouraging today!  Believe it or not, it  is something that is missing more often than not in our Christian circles. We can do something to change that right now, starting with sharing what God has been teaching you this week. I’d love for you to leave a comment below. I can’t wait to hear how He’s working in your life!

Kathy @ Cornerstone Confessions