in Christian faith...

so the last few days i have been at home with a sick little boy.  nothing major, just a cold, but still he's been pretty miserable and so that makes for no fun for mommy... :(
i missed church sunday (which i HATE) and then had to miss a church thing on tuesday too. all that to say this can be a recipe for a little self-pity.  but i tell you what, God is so good and gracious and has allowed me to be encouraged and uplifted by some sweet sisters in Christ even from home.
i got a message on facebook from a dear friend on monday that really challenged and convicted me.  she said that whenever her kids were sick she would praise God for the arms to hold them and cuddle them, praise God for her legs to rock the rocking chair for hours on end, etc. how convicting!  how dare i feel sorry for myself when this is where God has put me and this is the little one He has given me to serve and love?  this should be my JOY because this is exactly what God has called me to for this time.  there is no denying what the "will of God" for you is when you have a sick child.  the will of God for me at this time is to take care of my sick child.
i listened to our church's sermon that i missed from sunday and toward the end while talking about men serving their family, Pastor Josh referenced a quote by Martin Luther that i knew.  so i went and looked it up and was encouraged all the more.  it is written for fathers, but how much more does it speak to mothers?  here is where i found it.


Now observe that when that clever harlot, our natural reason . . . , takes a look at married life, she turns up her nose and says, “Alas, must I rock the baby, wash its diapers, make its bed, smell its stench, stay up nights with it, take care of it when it cries, heal its rashes and sores. . . ?” [LW 45:39]


What then does Christian faith say to this? It opens its eyes, looks upon all these insignificant, distasteful, and despised duties in the Spirit, and is aware that they are all adorned with divine approval as with the costliest gold and jewels. It says, O God, because I am certain that thou hast created me as a man and hast from my body begotten this child, I also know for a certainty that it meets with thy perfect pleasure. I confess to thee that I am not worthy to rock the little babe or wash its diapers, or to be entrusted with the care of the child and its mother. How is it that I, without any merit, have come to this distinction of being certain that I am serving thy creature and thy most precious will? O how gladly will I do so, though the duties should be even more insignificant and despised. Neither frost nor heat, neither drudgery nor labor, will distress or dissuade me, for I am certain that it is thus pleasing in thy sight. . . . God, with all his angels and creatures is smiling—not because the father is washing diapers, but because he is doing so in Christian faith.[LW 45:39-40]


the Lord is so gracious to bring us the encouragement that we need right when we need it.  now did i particularly like missing church and having a sick baby? no, but i am called to give thanks in all circumstances.  so, like my friend, i will give thanks that i have arms to hold my baby and legs to rock the rocking chair and a voice to sing him to sleep.  and i will give thanks that i am able to be at home with him and serve him in this very tangible way. in Christian faith i will serve my family, and i will give thanks for the blessing to do so.


"rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." ~ 1 thessalonians 5:16-18