Mom Heart Moments #127

To each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.

GATHERING PASSPORTS FOR our family in advance of a mission trip often proved easier said than done. Once I found myself on hold with the passport office multiple times, spending hours trying to find out why Nathan’s passport hadn’t arrived when we had ordered it months before the trip we planned. Before I left to go overseas the first time, I envisioned missionaries as very spiritual people who talked in biblical phrases and saw daily miracles. When I arrived on the field, I found very normal people who struggled with administrative details and the difficulties of a new language, while missing familiar things like M&M’s, chocolate chip cookies, and English. They, like me, had to live through the stress of getting visas, packing, and adjusting to a new culture.

Many others who aren’t on the mission field have a heart for the Kingdom of God. Their work is not so noticeable or honored, though just as precious to the Lord. Some are taking care of a parent with Alzheimer’s; others are holding and rocking sick children who cry throughout the night with an ear infection or stomachache. There are young single men or women keeping faithful to a pure moral standard and putting up with the loneliness of being a part of the small minority who hold biblical ideals; homeschooling moms patiently serving children at home without a break while daily hoping for progress in each of their children’s educations; single mamas working hard and wondering how they will meet all their children’s needs and daily depending on God to fill in the cracks. All are so very precious to God —all seen by Him —each tiny act of faith, love, and perseverance.

Do you know that God’s grace has been given to you, too? Take a moment to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and remind yourself of this great gift, available for whatever task lies before you.