Parenting is a lot like a marathon. Seriously. Not that I’ve ever run in one myself, but I have talked with several people who have. It takes dedication, hard work, strength, and endurance. Sometimes you cry. Sometimes you wonder how in the world you are ever going to make it. But then there are those moments where you are in your rhythm and you feel like you could go on forever. Sometimes you feel so filled with strength and energy that it almost feels effortless. Those days rarely come for me, but I’m sure once everyone is out of diapers, feeds themselves and dresses themselves there may be a few more of those kinds of days. For now though I feel like I am in the “you just have to put one foot in front of the other” stage…and pray…A LOT!!!
At this stage of life right now we experiencing a double whammy of sorts. We are tackling the everyday crazy world of parenting three kids three and under PLUS the roller coaster of PD (partnership development). We just traveled to Morehead City, NC to speak at a missions conference and spend the month meeting with individuals and families about partnering with our family as we head to Southeast Africa. Our van is covered in raisins, goldfish, and DVDs from hours of traveling and the bag of Easter candy that was for our kids is more than halfway gone because two tired parents needed a something to keep them going. It’s hard and tiring but totally worth every minute.
Our life may feel a little out of control right now. We may wonder how we will survive, but I must repeat. It. Is. Worth. It. I was reminded last night as I listened to Chandler share a story to a church full of people, that there are people, lots of people, in Africa who are without Christ. These people are in desperate need of a Savior who can rescue them from the darkness that has overtaken them for far too long!
We, the crazy Sharpe family, get to be the ones to bring the message of hope to them. Wow! So on the days when it’s hard and I wonder how I can keep going, these are the things I must choose to remember!
Well, now that Gideon is fed, changed, finally back to sleep and the clock has struck 4:35 am, it’s time also for me to also get back to sleep. Thanks for reading the thoughts and heart of this missionary mama.
Making Him Known,
Jamie