One evening when my children were younger, I was cleaning up in the kitchen after a long, busy day. One of my daughters came to me and asked me to play a game with her. I was tired and wanted to finish my work, then just sit and relax. So I told her, “Not now. Go find something to do.”
I finished my work, and was so glad to finally sit on the couch and relax. Then I noticed my daughter. She was lying on the floor in the corner of the room, sucking her thumb, and looking totally dejected. I realized that in the busyness of the day, I really hadn’t spent any time with her, and was always too busy when she asked me to play. I went over to her and hugged her, then asked if she still wanted to play that game. Her face lit up, and as we began to play she chattered happily. After two games, she was her usual cheerful self, and went off to play.
I sat down and thought about how little it took to make her happy. All she needed was to get a “refill” of love, and she felt so much better.
Then the Lord spoke to me about it, and reminded me that I am the same way. When I get bogged down with all my duties, and the demands of mothering, it’s easy to get tired and feel dejected. That’s when I need to take the time, just a few minutes, to let God “refill” me with His peace and strength.
It’s surprising how just a few minutes of praise, or prayer in the midst of a frantic day can restore a new spirit, and His joy.
“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
