Thursday, October 9, 2008

Am I allowed to post about my failings on here?

Mothers.

Why is it easy to be rude to them?

Not because they're annoying. (They're not.)

Not because they're unreasonable. (They're not.)

Not because they're unloving. (They're not.)

But because daughters can be sinful human beings.

And selfish.

And unsubmissive.

And impatient.

And unpractical.

And sometimes they can't get a simple little thing like "honor thy father and thy mother" down pat.

Don't worry - I'm not writing this because I just had a big fight with my darling mother. I didn't. I'm just sitting here looking at the Exodus 20:12 (part of which I've embroidered on fabric today), and thinking how often I fail in this command.

The thing that bothers me most is the thought of the times I fail in my head. Those times when I do the right thing on the outside, but inside I'm rebelling.

I want to be submissive and sweet for real. All the way through. And I'm not always. That makes me sad.

It also makes me appreciate the goodness of God more, to think that He doesn't disown me as His child every time I fail. I don't take His forgiveness for granted. It amazes me every day - every new morning. Every time I get up, and go through the day and make it un-perfect.

He has forgiven me.

All my past sins.

All my future ones.

Wow.

What a God we have.

3 comments:

Sarah said...

Mothers are such special people, aren't they, Amber!? But there are those times that we think that we know better; that we are wiser . . . with this prideful attitude, we then exhibit the negative qualities that you mentioned.

Living as adult daughters in our parents' household presents its challenges. I have found that the verse you mentioned, "Honor your father and your mother . . . " (Exodus 20:12) has taken on a much deeper and broader meaning in this new season. While at times this journey of learning to truly honor ones' parents can be difficult, it is an exciting and joyous one!

And what thanksgiving fills my heart to know that when I fail in this area, the Lord is merciful and has forgiven all my sins . . . even the ones to come (as you mentioned.) How grateful I also am that He is our strength! As we seek to be obedient to Him, He will supply the grace and strength needed:

"Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen" (1 Peter 4:11).

Kristen Michelle said...

Wow, Amber. This is so true. I so often do the right thing, but I'm still angry about it inside. You've spoken for me, too on this post.

Amber said...

Alethea, I'm glad you understand.

Sarah, thanks for such an in-depth comment. It was encouraging (and a little convicting!) to me.