Today we have a guest post by Mandy Dufries…
I have a treasure… It’s tucked neatly among some of my cherished possessions in a small cedar chest on my dresser. I’m not the only one who can possess this treasure. This treasure is available to everyone. It is precious; it changes lives. It has enabled me to find balance and peace in this crazy world.
As a busy wife and homeschooling mommy of four blessings, my life can become chaotic. Many times I struggle with finding balance in my life. I become flustered at the smallest inconveniences. I lose my patience. I feel overwhelmed. I grumble and complain. I want to pull my hair out or crawl under the bed and hide. It’s like peace is dangling right in front of me, but it is always out of reach.
Have you heard the old saying, “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”? (Ok just a side note, but as a homeschooling mommy that grammar is atrocious!) Anyway, it is unfortunate but when my life gets off kilter it affects my entire family and my home. My sweet husband becomes puzzled as he watches me scurry around trying to grasp control of something. He is my very best friend, but I don’t have time for him so he gets grumpy. The attitudes of my children go sour. They argue, make poor choices, and their sweet smiles turn to scowls.
Our peaceful home and sanctuary is transformed into a loud, chaotic, three ring circus where the ring leader, circus acts, and animals have gone awry and escaped. Every room is full of clutter because no one has the time or motivation to pick up after themselves. Our homeschool day is full of meltdowns. We are late to all appointments. Dinner burns. Just thinking about the pandemonium gives me a migraine.
A long time ago, my sweet grandmother shared a precious treasure with me. Unfortunately, I sometimes take it for granted or even forget to utilize it. I don’t want my children to waste valuable time chasing balance. I don’t want balance to be out of your reach either. This is a treasure too valuable not to pass down.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
You’ve probably heard this verse before but have you ever really discovered this treasure? This treasure will change my life if I take the time to uncover it and put it to use:
• First thing in the morning when I open my eyes, I need to seek the face of my Lord. If I hand over my day to Him to use for His glory, He will guide my day. I need to stop expecting my way and let Him have His way.
• If I spend time alone with God in communion and prayer, it sets the tone for the rest of my day. It gives me the extra motivation I need to seek Him throughout the day.
• I need to seek His direction. The world will pull me in different directions, but I need to follow the Heavenly Father not the world. I need to use His Word as my standard for living and homeschooling, instead of test scores, public schools, pop culture, people, and other outside influences. If I seek His direction, I can contentedly follow His lead.
• I need to seek His wisdom for my schedule. I need to ask Him what activities and opportunities in which to participate. Our children have a plethora of great activities available to them, but not all of them are beneficial at every season of our life. If I give my timetable and schedule to Him, I will have more time in my day. I will be at peace.
If seeking Him and His righteousness is my primary goal, then everything else will fall into place. I will begin to feel the peace and calm He brings. I will be able to breathe slowly, see situations more clearly, and have patience during trying circumstances. My family will have greater peace and love. My home will once again be a tranquil sanctuary. We will be prepared with the ammunition we need when the enemy tries to shake things up.
It’s not enough to simply be aware of this precious treasure. It has to be sought, uncovered, used, and cherished. God promises that if we do this, He will take care of the rest. He always keeps His promises, and He is our greatest treasure!
Mandy is a blessed daughter of Jesus Christ. She has the honor and privilege of being a wife to her loving husband since 1993, homeschooling mommy to four blessings, and a happy homemaker. Mandy is a Southern Belle from The Palmetto State. She enjoys inviting women to join her quest for rubies amidst the ruckus of life. One way she accomplishes this by encouraging them on her blog: Motherhood-Ruckus and Rubies based on Proverbs 31. She is a Trim Healthy Mama, whose favorite past times include being a wife and mommy, camping with her family, reading, gardening, cooking, singing, fashion, piano, decorating, crafting, and , grabbing anything chocolate and a cup of coffee with friends.
