When I wrote up my blog post from yesterday, it actually started out a lot longer then it ended.
I had begun writing it a couple of days earlier when I was just feeling very weary of it all. It’s been a long and tiring process.
In the comments, someone asked if we’re sure about what we’re doing.
(I removed the name from the comment, because I REALLY don’t want anyone to feel like I’m picking on them, because really, I’m not, you’re not the only one who’s asked something like this, or thought it, but I wanted to share my response on the blog rather then the comments because I had posted more about this aspect in the original version, and then had deleted it.)
The question was asked:
I’m sorry you’re feeling weary. Are you sure God’s plan involves a bigger homestead? We only see the tiniest snapshot on your blog, so please forgive if the direction has been clear. But often, for me, the weariness hits not when I’m waiting…but rather not listening.
Often in life, I choose to keep quiet in response to these types of comments. Not because I have nothing to say, but rather, often times I simply do not know how to say it.
I know my answers, they are written on my heart, always in my mind. I just don’t know how to put them into words that truly convey how I’m feeling. I’m not the most eloquent person with words. I’m also very passionate in what I believe, and sometimes things just don’t come out right.
I also choose not to get overly ‘religious’ on my blog, or even in my day to day walk and talk with others. My beliefs are strong, but they are personal. When asked to share, I will, but I won’t ‘thunk’ someone on the head with them. I believe how I live my life should speak for me, my words should not be neccessary.
Often I simply say nothing because I rest in the fact that God knows my heart, and no matter how hard I try to share my heart with others, it’s just not going to come out right, or, they aren’t going to hear it as I intend it to be heard.
A very good friend blessed me yesterday. She doesn’t even realize what a blessing she was, I really should tell her. She may not even remember saying it, but it blessed my heart immensely.
During lunch after church we were discussing our situation, and how much our children are growing in the process etc.. At one point she stopped and said something like,
“and how do you help these children understand the sovereignty of God while you wait and wait?”
That friend had truly put herself in our shoes, and seen the difficult task of going through all of this while keeping our attitudes right, with FIVE sets of eyes watching our every move, our every action, our every reaction to the situation. While trying hard to keep frustration, anger, and even pity, out of it all and moving forward with our ‘hands to the plow’. We haven’t always succeeded. We’ve been humbled MANY times.
As for weariness hitting when we’re not listening?
Sorry, this is one of those times it’s going to be hard for me to say what I’m feeling without it coming off the wrong way, so take it with ‘good’ intention, with grace, not negatively.
E-V-E-R-Y good thing in my life has caused me to grow weary.
Remaining married for the past 21 years, has caused me much weariness.
Raising these five children, has caused me much weariness over the past 20 years.
Homeschooling these five children, has caused me much weariness over the past 16 years.
Being successful in my business has definitely caused me much weariness over the last years.
If weariness were a sign that I am not listening… well, there’s many things I would have given up on in this life by now.
All of which are the best things in my life.
I may feel weary, but I will not give up. This is the path we have chosen because we feel it is the path in which we are meant to go.
Weariness, as far as I’m concerned, is a reason to become even more determined.
Let us not become weary in doing good,
for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.Galations 6:9
This was interesting for me to read. I have been very weary for many years. I have a chronic ilness that sucks the energy out of me and makes life VERY difficult. Taking as shower, getting groceries, cooking a simple meal, and clean sheets on my bed are all challenges. Parenting three kids alone… I have often wondered and thought my weariness is due to something I’m not understanding from God. Heaven knows how I cry out to Him daily for direction and guidance but the weariness NEVER goes away. It is there when I worship and when I pray. It’s there on the rare Sunday morning that I can get to church and it’s there after church when driving 10 minutes home to collapse into bed. No matter how hard I try to get closer to God the weariness is still there. God’s going to need a different method of communication if he ever plans on me Getting it. If wearyness is His way of telling me something, I cannot on my life imagine Him as a loving father because my weariness keeps me from Him.Your prospective on the comment someone posted was a refreshing view and one that made me think. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing this. I am expecting our third child and feel both blessed but very, very weary – so much so that I’m brought to tears not knowing how we will be able to make a family of 5 work WELL. I feel great comfort in your words tonight and appreciate that you took the time to share them.
Very nice. My personal weariness I was thinking of was when I was crying to God “where is my answer? What should I do?” over and over and over until I was nearly broken with weariness and hopelessness. With the help of a friend I realized that God HAD answered and given me direction…I was simply not listening. The answer I got was not the one I wanted and I wasn’t open to it for such a long time. When I finally moved to the path God wanted, instead of plodding down my own, it was such a relief and much of that weariness and all of the hopelessness was lifted. Not to say that everything was easy…because that’s not the case. But I was walking God’s path again and there is hope and joy in that.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. And I’m so happy you know you’re following God’s will and look forward to seeing you continue the journey towards your dream homestead.
Thanks for your honesty. It’s easy to get caught up in presenting our lives as perfect, easy, one big happy family. I share in your weariness and have found great comfort in the song “Blessings” by Laura Story. Accepting that blessings come in many forms is a great help for me.
Thank you for taking the time to read, and to reply Michelle.
Dealing with chronic illness is a very difficult thing, daily. I’m sorry you are suffering and I hope one day you won’t have to continue going through this path. My prayers are with you, for healing, and peace while you wait.
Thank you for reading and replying Stephanie, I’m glad it brought you comfort.
As a mother of five, if there’s anything I can say or share to ease your mind on having a third child, don’t hesitate to drop me a line. Parenting is one of the most difficult tasks in life, but so rewarding. 🙂
When our third came along, I did find it was SO much different having a third baby then my first or second. I feared it would be harder, but there was so much more confidence that it was actually easier!
Thank you Jen, for taking the time to comment and share. 🙂
Yes, plodding along our own path is never much fun even if it seems like it at first!
Thanks Jennifer. Yes, in life it can be easy to play ‘pretend’, it can be much easier sometimes.
I’m going to have to find that song. 🙂