The Lord Is My Shepherd

Discipline your children right, we are told, and when they go out in public they will behave properly. I hope this was the product of someone who had forgotten about infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Maybe it’s because their dad is gone, maybe it’s because their sleep schedule has been somewhat erratic, but the kids have been hyper, messy, and pushing every boundary. That’s a challenge because I am more aware than usual that people who aren’t used to young children find them annoying when they are hyper, messy, and pushing boundaries. Yesterday, some of David’s cousins came over to play, and David and Bethel were much better behaved. Guess they needed to work off a bunch of energy outside. I was thankful to see some improvement; I was starting to worry.

In Isaiah 40, we read “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”

Those are comforting words. When my husband is around, it’s easy to depend on his ability to help me. It’s comforting to know when he’s coming home from work to know I’ll have an extra mind and two hands. When he’s gone, it’s a good reminder that my comfort and security are ultimately in God. And my God is the Shepherd who is compassionate and understanding of the mommies with babies. He knows the limitations that come from having three little ones in tow. Remembering that God is with me… well, my whole attitude changes! I can survive and be joyful.