Fruitcakes and Other Things

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Psalm 128:1-2

I get so upset with my kids. I want them to do the right thing all the time without me having to constantly remind and correct them. I’m really upset with myself for not staying aware of what they need to be doing.

Once again, at bedtime Sunday evening, my children remembered they have homework. I’ve tried to get them to empty their backpacks and look at what they need to do every day as soon as they get home from school. Some days I remember to remind them other days I’m too busy in my office trying to finish up other things.

It is times like this that I question whether I need to even be attempting those other things I’m working on. I enjoy being with my kids most of the time. As I was writing in my journal I realized that it is not when they are in a good mood that I enjoy being with them, it is when I am relaxed and in a good mood – not busy with other things.

Funny, that is exactly what I tell them all the time. “Your happiness does not depend circumstances or on other people. It depends on your attitude.”

So how do I live what I preach? Seems God gave me the answer in Psalm 128. The fruitfulness of getting along with my kids, being a good mom and accomplishing the “other things” all depends on where my focus stays.

It is the testing of my faith – not the testing of my abilities – that develops perseverance. (James 1:3) Will I place my faith – my assurance of what I can’t see (Hebrews 11:1) – in my abilities or in the Lord, my strength and my provider?

I’m seeing this reoccurring struggle in my life. I want to quit everything and “just enjoy life.” God seems to keep telling me to persevere. I also know that I’ve lived in that picture of “just enjoy life” and it really isn’t all that great. It is equally as frustrating as trying to accomplish great tasks on my own abilities.

The fruitfulness comes in relaxing with my eyes fixed on the one who is all powerful and all loving. He has all the plans for the fruitful life. I like fruit. It’s very refreshing. I want to be fruitful in whatever I’m doing.

Oh God, may my attitude reflect my trust in your unchangeable and unfathomable greatness. In you, my efforts are fruitful. Without you, I’m just a fruitcake.