Monday, August 09, 2010

My Fudgsicle Heart

She stood there, in the kitchen, with fudgsicle running down her leg, looking ridiculous.

We had stripped off her dress to avoid chocolate clothes.

In rare 2 year old form, she stood still. Waiting.

She was a mess.


Her nose, her cheeks, her neck, her hair, her hands and arm, and her legs were smothered in chocolate.

I asked her, "How are we gonna clean you up?"

She simply replied, "Get a washcloth."

I asked if she wanted to wash. She said, "No, you do it."

She knew what she needed. She waited. She made faces. She pushed the popsicle stick around in her mouth.


But, she stood still. She was happy to wait.


When I'm a mess, emotionally, I don't always handle myself as well as my two year old.

I stomp around in impatience. I lash out at loved ones over trivial things. I beat myself up over what I don't like about myself. I hide from life surfing the internet. I mope. I speak or email too quickly. I distract myself with pleasure- tasty treats, books, a cleaning project. I make myself busy. I run around, all the while leaving my emotional state in shambles.

Not today.

I am standing still. Messy, but still. Forcing myself to wait.


I'm praying, even though I'm stretched thin. I'm focusing on the truths I know, even though my day is demanding my attention. I am busy. Noises grate on my nerves. But, I am intentionally focusing my thoughts on God.

It isn't easy for me. I am easily distracted. I read Bible verses. I have hope. I know everything will be okay. And, I wait.

I'm waiting for Him to clean up my heart.

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
Psalm 130:5


I wait for you, O LORD; you will answer, O Lord my God.
Psalm 38:15


But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

16 comments:

Savor The Days said...

Cute pictures! And such a beautifully written post to tie in with the pictures. Just what I needed to hear today. Bless you!

Anonymous said...

I'm telling you Jane Anne, you need to write a devotional book...that was great....Patti B.

He & Me + 3 said...

OMGosh. I so needed to read this today. I am a big fat mess today. Lord forgive me.

Trisha said...

You absolutely have a gift finding lessons from the everyday. And my goodness, is she a doll. She is getting so big!

Foursons said...

She's adorable. I love when my kids teach me important life lessons.

Cat said...

thanks for this post. it was just what i needed to her right now. and, how in the world do children get so messy when eating a single popsicle? My son can have it between his toes and I don't know how! :)

Missy said...

She is so stinking cute!
I love how you brought it back around to God, as it should be.

Anonymous said...

She is adorable. OMGoodness, cute pics.

Becki D said...

Precious little girl you got there, and it sounds like she has a very wise Momma who knows where to go for the answers. Love it!

More Than Words said...

Oh my gosh, she is so cute!!!

And I love how the Lord speaks to you through your daily events!

Alea Milham said...

What a precicous example! I have so often rested in Psalm 130:5.

When/if you have a moment, I would love to know how you put the Scripture in blocks.

Amanda said...

Great thoughts... great use of Scripture!

Be blessed-
Amada

Brandi said...

Oh, I love this... and, yes, I've been known to do some stomping myself. Cute, cute pictures!

Angie@Echoes of Laughter said...

Jane Anne! Happy Birthday to you too! Everywhere I look..more Leos!! Hope your birthday was wonderful! Your little girl is so sweet! Your children are so sweet! Love Angie xo

Jeanne said...

What adorable pictures! I've been thinking of you and praying for you! Love your posts! : )

Angela said...

What a sweetheart! She's so cute!
Thanks for stopping by my place, Jane Anne, and for your kind words of encouragement.