After Belly

Ran across this blog today...After Belly
Here is a portion from it that I am posting here, so I can come back and re-read it from time to time...

If we choose to adopt this entitled mindset, then we forfeit the privilege of a simple life...because the [modern] American Dream means a life spent striving.

^1-2 If God doesn't build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn't guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It's useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don't you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves? (Psalm 127:1-2)

 And in striving to be a have it all mama {whatever "it" is for you}, we loose sight of the best gift of of ALL.

 ^3-5 Don't you see that children are God's best gift?  the fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don't stand a chance against you; you'll sweep them right off your doorstep. (Psalm 127:3-5)

Let me make clear what I'm NOT saying.  I'm NOT making a case for or against stay-at-home or working motherhood.  I'm NOT saying you shouldn't follow your dreams and use your gifts. I'm NOT saying its wrong to have much.
But if you're like me....maybe its possible that we get caught up {even if only in our minds}in achieving the "ideal" life that the world proposes we are entitled to.

Instead meditate on this:


^1-2 So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.
 ^3-4Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.
^12-14So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
^15-17Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
 ¹⁸Wives, understand and support your husbands by submitting to them in ways that honor the Master.
 ¹⁹Husbands, go all out in love for your wives. Don't take advantage of them.
 ²⁰Children, do what your parents tell you. This delights the Master no end.
 ²¹Parents, don't come down too hard on your children or you'll crush their spirits.
(Colossians 3: 1-4, 12-14, 15-21)