Birds and the Things to Do list

Today is the first Monday of Gracelaced Mondays. She recently invited her friends and anyone else interested in blogging to join her on Mondays in blogging about finding grace in your daily lives. Not only will it help us keep the eyes of our hearts open to God's work in our lives but it will keep us accountable to our blogs while meeting up with others and getting the opportunity to be encouraged and edified by their postings.

Shortly before I headed to bed last night, I found myself wondering just what I'd write about today. I thought I'd write about Matthew 25, and the Parable of the Talents. So, I grabbed hubby's NIV Study Bible and sat down to read through the passage for ideas.







But it wasn't striking a chord with me, so I prayed, "Ok, God. How do I NEED to find grace in MY life?" He didn't hesitate to answer.

It's in the passage about the birds.

I smiled, because I recently bought the earrings in the picture from a local Etsy seller, TeaandLaundry, because those birds reminded me of the same passage. Apparently, I had already realized I needed this passage to stay close to my heart.

Matthew 6:25-34 is a passage highlighting words from Jesus in which he explains to us how God wishes us to treat worrying. He tells us not to give it the importance we do. He provides the illustration that if God can provide for the birds, who cannot "store up in barns," how much more will he provide the things we need in our lives because we are so meaningful to Him? Best of all, he gently reminds us that worrying cannot "add even an hour" to our lives (and modern science tells us that worrying will probably steal more than a few hours from it!)

Since moving into this house we are attempting to make into our first home, I find myself a slave to my Things to Do list. I'm slightly obsessed with my Things to Do list, and lately it's been a source of serious frustration and feelings of personal failure. When God pointed this passage out last night, I knew this is what he was prodding me on. It's easy for me to allow this to cloud my priorities and judgement, and as a stay at home mom, it robs my daughter of precious time that should be spent with her. It leads me to ignore my husband in some of the few hours he is home during the week.

Grace in this moment wasn't easy, but it was wonderful. I know worry is an area of weakness in my faith, and it was so good to be reminded that God forgives me when I fall, but that His grace is the strength I need to continue on in faith. It is that grace that keeps the moment from being a failure, and makes it a moment of learning and growth. Instead of feeling guilty for ignoring my daughter and shoving her aside so I can achieve one more line on The List, and being ashamed because I didn't put my husband and daughter first, I can remember to pray for God to remind me how important they are, and how un-important that List is and do what's right next time.