The clock kept ticking on past 11 pm and I had yet to shower. The day had been long and the worries a constant battle. I tripped over a pile of children’s books, a plastic ambulance, and a crushed oreo as I stumbled into the bathroom. I wanted to skip the shower and curl up with a great book, but knew that choice would complicate matters. As I turned the corner, my feet slipped on a slightly damp floor from hours before and it became difficult to hide my annoyance.
“I’m too tired for this,” I mumbled to myself, knowing that no one really cared. In the corner of my eye, I saw the horse. Yep, a tall plastic horse smack dab in the middle of my shower. Frustration took dominion and I kicked it out of the way, injuring my toe. And then the tears fell.
There in the shower, I cried over a plastic horse. What was seemingly an innocent toy became the picture of everything broken in my life. I was mad at the horse and mad at the child who left it in the shower. I was mad at all that was not right in my world. I was mad at God for leaving me in this place of trial. I was just mad.
Until I saw the note above the horse. Etched in washable crayolas was a reminder that all the frustration and pain was worth it. “I love you mommy. Love Nathan”
The tears fell harder as I struggled to contain myself.
Sometimes days are hard and it’s easy to buy the lie that it’s simply not worth it anymore. These are the days when we need reminders. Reminders such as gratitude journals to etch out our blessings. Or scripture posted over the doorposts and truths planted in our hearts.
These are the kinds of days when I stand in front of my wall of encouragement and let the tears fall into the hands of the prayer warriors. My eyes scan over each and every precious friend and family member who has written a note of love and I hold fast to the hope.
Because if we aren’t ready for it, the horse in the shower will consume. And days are hard enough without that. With His truth in our hearts and our gaze on Him, the waves can be walked on. The storm may continue to rage on, but we will be safe in His arms. May we fix our gaze on God, determined to run the race that is set before us, with complete faith that He is working it for our good.
Want to create your own wall of encouragement? I started this when I found myself pulling out the cards and notes that friends had written me just to get a breath of fresh air. The cards were an excellent reminder that even when my world was dark, I was deeply loved and cherished. Knowing how much these cards meant to me, I began hanging them on a wall. When I filled up that wall, I started another. On hard days, I actually asked people if they wouldn’t mind putting something in writing for my wall. I had received so many texts and emails, so I knew people wanted to help me. This was a simple and tangible way for them to do just that.
Why not start one for yourself? No matter what you are going through, you will be blessed by the prayers, scripture and thoughts of your friends and family.
Kim Sorgius
Kim is just a girl, crazy in love with Jesus. She's a single mother of 4, a passionate homeschooler and life-long student. After teaching 8 years in public school, she traded her M.A. in Early Childhood for sippy cups and homeschool co-ops. Kim is the owner and editor of The Homeschool Village and Not Consumed where she encourages others to rest victoriously in the hands of God, rather than allowing life's difficult circumstances to consume.
Follow Me:
Last updated by at .
Somehow you always know where my heart is. I too am struggling and becoming frustrated over the “little things” and needed this reminder and encouragement today. Thank you Kim…your words are an inspiration and an encouragement to me.
God is sooooo good and always finds a way to let me know that I am not alone and it is gonna be ok.
“With His truth in our hearts and our gaze on Him, the waves can be walked on. The storm may continue to rage on, but we will be safe in His arms. May we fix our gaze on God, determined to run the race that is set before us, with complete faith that He is working it for our good.”
You couldn’t have said it better – and it’s your quote that will be on my encouragement wall. Thank you for this post, it came just when I needed it.
Melissa
I love reading your blog..don’t remember how I found it but it is what I needed. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Having a husband who is deployed and two small children counting on me every day for everything, I wish I had a support system who cared enough to fill a wall. I haven’t spoken to my mother in months, my sister in years. My Mother-in-law calls when she wants to ask about gifts for the kids and I haven’t had real friends in years. Not since I got married and moved away 7 years ago. I can’t even go to the bible studies that the Chaplain’s wife is putting on because I don’t have childcare. It’s very discouraging day after day after day. Sad part is, my husband’s been gone less than a month. We still have nearly nine months to go before he comes home… If he comes home.
Oh friend, what a difficult trial you face. I am praying for your family. Please know that even if your earthly family doesn’t support you, your FATHER sees your every tear. Through Him, you are adopted into an amazing family of believers. Praying that you feel held by Him today.
They wonderful screen savers