Familiarity Breeds Contempt?

I grew up in a church that firmly believed in young people. In fact, they encouraged us all the time with one particular verse in scripture that many of us memorized and could recall in our sleep. That verse is found in Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength." We had that scripture mounted decoratively on the church walls, we put it on our youth choir t-shirts, I mean we ate, breathed, and slept Philippians 4:13.

Isn't it interesting, however, that the more you think you know something, the less valuable that something can be to you. It's almost like we can take it for granted because it has been there all along. Then one day, that verse became alive and active in me.

I had just given birth to our son. My husband thought it was a great idea for me to stay home and take care of him. Well, it sounded good at first, but honestly I didn't know what I was doing. I had been working since I was 16. Staying at home with my son was a different world for me. I am a social butterfly and staying at home with a crying baby just wasn't my idea of fun. One afternoon when he was about 4 weeks old I remember sitting on the floor holding him and I just started crying. You might be thinking I was suffering from post-partum depression, but whatever the case may be, I was wondering what am I doing trying to be a mother. Who do I think I am? Where do I get off? Am I really cut out for this? Suddenly that scripture spoke to me loud and clear reminding me that, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength." Then I laughed and cried. I laughed because it was so simple. I cried because that scripture had been there all throughout my life and because I heard it a lot I never really internalized the message until then.

Four children later, I have never felt overwhelmed with parenting my children. I mean it is a challenge, but I see it now as something that God strengthens me to do. I have ups and downs (especially now being pregnant) like everyone else. Still, I know that with Him I can do it!

Be blessed!