"We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." Psalm 100:3
I remember listening to a tape (dating myself, no it wasn't a podcast) by Evangeline Johnson, whose mother Nancy Campbell publishes Above Rubies. In this tape she was talking about parenting with a heavenly mindset. It was hard for my earthy mind, rushing in a thousand directions to understand, but I think she was talking about not letting the difficulties of the day distort our perceptions of who God is and how good He is at handling our challenges.
This concept has come to mind again lately as we have learned a new concept through the Love After Marriage workshop which we are leading in our home.
This concept is very well illustrated in John 10:4-5. Jesus is talking about his sheep, which means us. "….and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers."
We are the sheep of His pasture. He is working hard to protect us, but there are still strangers on the fences trying to harass us and disturb our peace. Strangers such as fear and worry, anger and strife. These are strangers that we don't want to follow. Following them means that when our children are pulling on our leg and whining at us, we yell instead of gently meeting needs and sorting out issues. Following them means that when our kids aren't getting a concept, we grow angry and frustrated instead of praying for understanding and creativity in teaching them.
Strangers are going to try and talk to us, but when we learn to send them away from us, and listen instead to what God is saying to us, we can keep our peace and give our children a peaceful space to grow and learn.
For the rest of my series on Heavenly Mothering, click here
I loved this... because there are strangers on the fence and "foxes in the vineyard". Recognizing their jeers right now and claiming what God knows to be true about who I am and the children we have. Thank you. Looking forward to following along.
ReplyDeleteWendy, it has been revolutionary for me, I used to just indulge in every thought until I realized that the thoughts in my head are not always mine.
DeleteThank you for sharing! I enjoyed reading what you had to say about strangers and the "sheep" listening to us rather than strangers - and how you related it back to your family!! And to suggest that worry, fear, anger and strife ARE the strangers in our world...WOW! How true that is...we only need to trust in the One and He WILL give us peace! Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting! I am so thankful that God graces us with wisdom to bless our families.
DeleteSending those strangers away is a very hard thing to learn how to do, but a noble pursuit, nonetheless. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome! It has been a blessing that I am glad to share.
DeleteThank you for a peaceful and gentle reminder. Can I come live at your house? :) I want to strive to be more peaceful with my kids. I've come a long way but still have a ways to go.
ReplyDeletethank you for the reminder, I love that Jesus is our shepherd. I am his sheep.
ReplyDeleteMy girls are grown, but I am still grateful for the Great Shepherd, as I parent. My mom always said, "you are never done being a parent." :)
ReplyDeleteFondly,
Glenda
31 dayer
Yes, Linda and He is the Good Shepherd. We are safe in His pastures. Thanks for visiting!
ReplyDeleteGod has really impressed upon me over these last 10 days about thinking of the eternal... what an awesome idea for me to show my son this mindset as well. As a Mom, I'm too often rushing and saying, "We're late" or "Hurry up". It's all about the now... now... now... except it isn't. Great post.
ReplyDelete