April 12, 2006
City Mom or Country Mom?
You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country.
Deuteronomy 28:3
My husband and I have this question that frequently comes up in our conversations: "Should we live in the city or in the country?" I grew up in the country so it seems (to me) at times that by living in the suburban bubble, we're doing our kids an injustice by not giving them the opportunity to raise their own calves and chickens or grow their own garden.
My husband frequently reminds me that maybe our kids don't have chickens, but they do have a dog to care for. And maybe we don't have an acre of peas, potatoes and okra, but we have a flowerbed that needs attention. He is so practical at times! I don't know how I think I'd have time to grow a garden when I can't keep the weeds out of the flowerbed! By constantly wishing for things to be different I've been missing what I have right in front of me.
Deuteronomy 28:3 says, "You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country." His blessing isn't dependent on where we live, (or what we have), but on our obedience. "See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways...then you will live." (Deut. 30:15-16) No matter where we reside, when we choose Him each day, we really live. It's not my responsibility or yours to figure out where to live. That's God's job. He will give direction at the right time. Our part, however, is to love the Lord, to walk in His ways and in so doing, we choose life. If we are constantly confused and worried, it's the same as choosing death and destruction for the day. I mean really, how energetic are you after a day of worrying? Not very lively, right? "Rejoice before the Lord in everything you put your hand to." (Deut. 12:18b)
So, whether you are a country bumpkin raising horses, cows and green beans or a city girl with hamsters, cats and gerber daisies, rather than wishing to be somewhere else, choose life right where you are. Rejoice before the Lord in whatever you put your hand to today and experience the life that He promises to give.
Father,You have given us so much. When we stop to think about the blessings, we are ashamed for complaining about what we wish we had. Forgive us, Lord. Open our eyes to the amazing things You have given. We want to choose life today. Show us how that plays out in our daily lives. What does it look like to choose life in the midst of laundry, whining children, giving medicine in the middle of the night, and getting kids in the car to go to the doctor? Show us, Lord. Show us how to love You by loving our children and husbands. Remind us to rejoice in all of the things we put our hands to each day. Give us the strength to simply love You, and forgive us when we strive to figure out the plans for our lives. We trust You with those plans. In Jesus name...Amen
Choosing to see the blessings in today...Sharon
I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. (Deut. 30:19-20a)
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