Familiar in every way...

Well, I've been thinking about writing this post since Saturday morning and haven't been able to manage the time until now.  And, there couldn't be a more appropriate time than this.  A great friend of mine and I just spent the afternoon at a park and dinner at Fuddruckers with 8 children 4 and under.  Needless to say, I'm EXHAUSTED!  In that 4 hour time frame I don't think there was one second that I wasn't looking for a child, helping a child, or trying to keep things out of Jett's mouth.  However, as I look back at the afternoon I have a feeling of accomplishment.  We did it... and without too many melt-downs.  God is so faithful to meet us where we are.  Ugh... let me get on to what I feel like this is all about.

I've been doing my daily reading and I'm in Matthew right now.  Chapter 9 hit me in a whole new light this time around.  At this point, Jesus' work of healing has already begun and, of course, people are starting to bring their needs to Him.  The start of chapter 9 is the healing of the paralytic, followed by Jesus' calling of Matthew.  While Jesus is still trying to help untangle the thinking of Matthew's crowd, a man approaches Him begging for His healing touch because the man's daughter has died.  Jesus immediately goes with the man but on His way is touched by the woman who had bled for 12 years.  "Jesus turned and saw her, "Take heart, daughter," He said, "your faith has healed you" (vs. 22).  He then continues on to heal the daughter.  "As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David" (vs. 27).  Yes, of course, He does show mercy and both of them were healed. "While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus" (vs.32).  And wouldn't you know it... He healed him too! 

I could not read on I was so overwhelmed.  This season in my journey is so busy and my children are constantly bringing needs to my feet... because one of them can't even walk yet.  But, it hit me straight on... Jesus is familiar in every way with my lifestyle, my burdens, my exhaustion.  He has been there before only the needs brought to Him were life changing.  The gospels constantly describe Jesus' heart of compassion on those around Him.  He saw their need and was filled with so much emotion that He was driven to action.  It made me wonder... what is my attitude?  My children don't come to me for help just because they're lazy.  They need me.  There are things they literally cannot do for themselves yet, but at times I sigh because it's the fifteenth time that hour that they've asked for something.  Lord, would you help me be filled with compassion for my children! 

All of this thinking brought me to another conclusion... and this was even more profound to my current situation.  Maybe God is giving me these examples everyday because it's exactly what He wants me to do with Him!  My children come to me when they need help with the smallest thing.  They are constant in their requests and unceasingly ask until I help them.  This reminds me of the Parable of the Persistent Widow in Luke 18.  I want to become a child of God that looks to Him for help in EVERY situation, big or small.  He is filled with compassion for us and wants to be there.

So, where are you... exhausted?  lost?  empty?  overflowing?  content?  He wants to be your everything... in every season.  Will you let Him?  Will you give up control, even if your control seems to be enough?  If this is the case, imagine what heights He wants to take you once you loose the reigns!  I am so excited for this time in my life to have the living example of my children in my daily life.  Lord, would you allow us to see Your hand at work in our lives always.  Bring us to your feet and remind us of Your compassion for us.  We truly need You.  Amen.