He who follows righteousness and mercy, finds life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21
Mothering has brought me face-to-face with my weaknesses. This journey of love and devotion often led me to a dead-end road where I found myself back where I’d started – bewildered and disappointed – in myself. There were so many days when I purposed to do better – to BE better. My kids deserved more than I could offer.
KINDNESS – that’s what I needed: To be more genuine, less self-absorbed, more concerned for their well-being and less pitiful in my devotion.
In Jewish culture they call this ‘chasing chesed’. Chesed is the Hebrew word for ‘loving-kindness’. Though, not an exact translation because no ONE word in our language adequately describes the kindness of God. The type of kindness that follows us, all the days of our lives.
This revelation changed my life.
The kindness I desperately needed to offer my family was offered TO me at the cross. This bankrupt soul did not have the emotional resources needed to raise a family and I knew it!
I have been freely given grace and mercy in my time of need. So, I have the privilege and joy to pass these gifts on to those around me. I am the recipient of the treasures and riches of Christ! This realization changed everything. I felt like royalty in my own home.
There are still days when I feel like a pauper – then I remind myself to:
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies
Psalm 103
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A great post. Really enjoyed reading this.
“Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies…” Yes, YES, and amen!
Glad I stopped by your place today. This post spoke to me. Thank you.