Friday, January 23, 2015

Finding Hope in an Unexpected Place

"I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.  Genesis 9:13

Everyone just stop yelling.  Everyone just stop yelling.  Everyone just stop yelling!  Everyone just stop yelling!!  Everyone just stop yelling!!!  I had it!  I was sick of it!  I couldn't stand the yelling...so, of course, what do I do?  I started yelling too!
 
At breakfast, my six year old and three year old were bickering like an old married couple.  My 15 month old was screaming for more food even though he had just downed an entire bowl of oatmeal and some banana and some raisins and some more oatmeal.  At one point all three kids were just...well...yelling! 
 
I promise you that I started out very calm and patient, but as soon as I realized that no one was listening to me and that everyone was still yelling about something, I couldn't stand it anymore!  My voice got louder and louder until I was yelling too. 
 
"Everyone just stop yelling!"  I screamed at the top of my lungs.
 
I was so angry at how these kids had started off my day.  I was so angry at how my two oldest picked on each other constantly.  I was so angry that my youngest was never satisfied with the amount of food he was given.  I was so angry. 
 
I found myself standing at the sink washing dishes in a huff, with gritted teeth, and pretty much ready to pull my hair out when I looked down at the dish drainer and there it was...a rainbow.  
 
   
It was beautiful.  It was so unexpected.  It was God. 
 
I took a minute to just look at this little dish rainbow, and I felt peace.  And just then, my anger lifted...my teeth unclenched...and I took a deep breath and smiled.  I smiled at the chaos.  I smiled at  the three little blessings who were continuing to yell despite my efforts to get them to stop.  I smiled that these children were healthy and vibrant and active and can speak their minds (although we need to work on doing it more respectfully).  
 
I smiled and just shook my head.  I wasn't angry.  I wasn't frustrated.  I wasn't upset.  I wasn't yelling.  I was smiling. 
 
I love that God used a rainbow as a promise to Noah and his family and to all of us to never flood the earth and destroy all humans again.  He brought them hope. 

I love that God continues to use the rainbow to remind us of that promise, but I believe that He also uses rainbows as a symbol of His trustworthiness...a symbol of His love for us...a symbol of hope.  He brought me hope. 
 
God cares about every detail of our lives and in the midst of that manic morning, He knew that I felt frustrated and overwhelmed...He knew that I was thinking of every way possible to flee the scene out my kitchen window...He knew that I needed Him.  He took the time to send me a rainbow of hope...a reminder of His love in the midst of all the chaos...a reminder that my day would get better...a reminder that my kids are His gift to me...a reminder that patience and understanding and grace are always there for me...a reminder that I need to give the same to my children. 
 
So I want to encourage you, dear mom, that no matter what you're going through right now--no matter how big or how small your frustrations are, God cares.  He wants you to know that you can always trust Him...you can always believe in His promises...you can always find a rainbow of hope somewhere in your crazy day...maybe even in your own dish drainer!   
 
 
Thank You, Lord, for giving me that signal of hope.  Thank You for keeping Your promises to us...for loving us...for being there for us.   Thank you for taking the time to care for us and give us what we need when we need it.  When we are frustrated or discouraged, fill us with hope every day and give us encouragement to be the best moms we can be to our children.  Help us to see rainbows of hope throughout our days.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.
 
Has God ever given you a signal of hope?
 
 
*Special Note To the Reader:  After writing this post, I have seen rainbows everywhere!  Look around.  You are going to start seeing them too.  I pray that these rainbows will be a symbol of God's faithfulness to you...God's love for you...and will bring you hope too!  Share your rainbows of hope on facebook or twitter at #rainbowsofhope.  

8 comments:

  1. I will start looking for those rainbows! What a sweet message from God. I have been in that same situation many times. Believe me. That's awesome though how you were able to listen for His voice in the midst of all of that.

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    1. Thanks, Natalie! Yes, I needed that reminder of His love and hope! I know that every mom can relate. :-)

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  2. He always manages to place little tidbits of Hope in the every day minutia of our lives - the key is to look for them!

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    1. Yes, Susan. You do have to look, but once He opens your eyes to Him, you continue to see His goodness everywhere and in everyone!
      Blessings-
      Christine

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  3. I love this message of hope. Isn't just like God to send us this message and in such a creative way too. I shared this post on Facebook as I know some moms who would benefit from this post.

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    1. Thanks you so much! And thank you for sharing it with others. I love to bring other moms hope in their lives. Yes, God is so good and so creative to just sneak that little rainbow right in front of me. I was a great experience!
      Blessings-
      Christine

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  4. I needed this reminded too! Rainbows are so awesome. And I haven't seen one in awhile. Now that I've read your post, it's back to bed for me!

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    1. Hi Tara! I'm so glad that God was able to shine hope into your life through this post. I've definitely had my eyes opened to rainbows everywhere. It's pretty awesome to see how he works so creatively! Praying you feel better!
      Blessings-
      Christine

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