I am in the trenches today. Much of it is of my own doing and while I can come up with a list of reasons for why I am feeling and reacting the way I am, there is still no legitimate excuse for it.  I am just as much a sinner in need of a Savior today as I was yesterday and the day before that.  I truly am thankful that I am not doomed to lean on my own strength to get back on track; there is clear evidence showing me that Jesus has gone before me and is right by my side at the same time. One of these signs is the verse I focused on in my morning devotions: 1 John 3:18. It states that we are to love in deed and in truth instead of just through words. I am falling VERY short in the love department today, but that verse is echoing in my heart almost constantly, and I am thankful for that.

Another sign of His presence is the prayer He laid on my heart a few days ago. This prayer has been resonating in my mind throughout my day and is helping me to hug and smile and converse even when I really don’t feel like doing any of that. I would like to share it with all of you:

“Jesus, help me to live with arms open wide and ready to embrace, to carry, to draw close the little bodies that are mine for the moment. 

Help me to live with a ready heart to accept the challenges to my instructions and the interruptions to my plans.

Refresh my mind with new ways to encourage obedience and ignite an interest in learning your ways.

Refresh my vocabulary in a way that inspires little tongues to speak gently and with kindness to one another.

Dear Jesus, please walk with me today and be a tangible presence in my thoughts, in my actions, in my words and in my demeanor. May all who encounter me encounter you.”

Normally I would blog in hindsight but it didn’t work out that way today. I am still struggling and ashamed; but I am certain that I am not the only one in the trenches today and I want to encourage you – whoever and wherever you are.  Jesus is a merciful Savior to all who come to Him on bended knee and repentant heart. He makes all things new – which reminds me of something my oldest daughter said today.  She misbehaved this morning and the consequences of her disobedience were the removal of some of her favorite toys for the rest of the day.  We talked and reconciled and then she said (with a huge smile on her face), “I won’t do that anymore and I will get them back tomorrow.” It was said with such joy and confidence that revived my heart. Today might be rough, really rough, and entirely my fault, but tomorrow holds undiscovered joy.

Would you like prayer today? What burdens are you carrying that could be laid at Jesus’ feet right now?