Take off those masks

Good grief, what a busy week. Am I coming or going? I don't know.

I still have a sick child ... O, this time. I knew she would catch whatever virus E had so I prepared myself. Not much keeps her down, though, so she really doesn't act sick.

We're heading into a beautiful weekend here .... temps in the 70s! .....give the Lord some praise!!! Oh, how much we need some sunshine here (I know, I talk like we live in a dark cave, don't I?) We just have a bad case of cabin fever and need to get outside!

God is doing some great things and I cannot wait to share some of those things here on this blog, but I'm waiting for the green light. I have had a wonderful week just watching Him do His thing.
Is there anything greater than serving the Lord? I think not!

You know, He's even worthy of our praise when He exposes our crummy attitudes and sinful natures? He's still God and still so concerned with every detail of our lives, He won't allow us to walk around downcast and defeated for long.

Maybe this will help explain what I'm feeling ....

This picture caught my eye today. Two years ago, Eric had a job that took him to Toronto often. He traveled A LOT, so a couple of times, we joined him. O wasn't even walking the first time we went. During one of our trips, we were able to visit Niagara Falls. That was great, but honestly when I look at pictures from our trip I still get a bitter feeling in my stomach.

On that trip, my precious E was .... ummmm .... well, horrible. Whew! She wore me out and didn't listen to a cotton-pickin' thing I said. I can't look at pictures of us at the top of the CN Tower without remembering I spent most of it in the restroom giving her a lecture. I can see the expressions on her face in all the pictures we took that you wouldn't be able to pick up. I was convinced she had it out for me. Stress, I tell you.

Anyway, this picture caught my attention because on the surface it looks pleasant enough. Wonderful family enjoying the beautiful scenery and time together. Look at them? Don't they look happy?

POSERS!!!!!!!

See my left hand tucked sweetly behind E? I'll confess that I was pinching her leg ... trying to force her into submission ... for a picture! How's that for more reality? (Of course, here her face does say it all :)

Oh, how much I love my children, but I admit there are days I am irritable, impatient and stressed. I was so stressed on this day (it was rainy and cold so I had to splurge for a Niagara Falls hoodie - I don't normally dress in mismatched pastels - ha!). It was the last day of our long trip and I had spent a week dealing with her attitude.

This picture reminds me of the many masks we wear ... hoping to portray we have it all together. Just look at me? Why on earth was I smiling?

I've been thinking a lot lately about the perception we give each other - that we have it all together. We don't let others see the real person for fear of rejection or condemnation. It makes me nervous when people look at me and think I am some superwoman, ever-patient Mom. It makes me nervous because I know I am only going to let them down with the truth. I'm not at all that!

Could we not find a safe place in our relationships with one another to expose our true selves? We're all hanging on by a thread .... onto the garment of Jesus Christ ... pleading with Him to sustain us. Without His mercy and power, we are consumed! (Lam 3:22)

Take off those masks! I am learning that is when the Father shows up and proclaims victory to our broken hearts. Anybody game?