Is Every Moment Sacred?

It seems like so much of the world is guided by formulas and directions- physics, math, lab reports, new Wii games, Princess Yahtzee, baking cookies; anything that needs to run smoothly and end up with the right product. But what about things like being a good mom, friend, wife? Sometimes I wish there was a formula I could just follow and know I was heading in the right direction. Yes, I know there is an Instruction Manual for life, the Bible. And it is the source of all truth and wisdom. Sometimes it is just hard to know how I'm doing. For example, I know I can be "holy"- late at night when I'm all alone reading or in my van (all by myself!), singing praises at the top of my lungs. But what about when I am feeding a baby, trying to understand and teach 8th grade physics, get a nine year old to focus on spelling and math and preparing to go to a night class- all at the same time? Can I be holy then? Is there a formula for that situation? I am reading a book called "The Discipline of Grace" by Jerry Bridges. He writes about working in us what is pleasing to Him; that "Godliness is having a regard for God's glory and God's will in every aspect of our lives, doing everything out of reverence and love for Him." So I am trying to see every moment as sacred, as an act of devotion to the One whom I truly desire to serve and love. There is no formula on how to respond to a faulty transmission, aches and pains, desires and longings- except that God gives us the freedom to write our own formula. We are free to live under His teaching by His never-ending grace. With His Spirit, I can devote each moment to His glory. Will I fail? Yes! Will every moment be sacred in practice? NO! Yet I am assured by His love for me that He will do for me and through me all that I can't do myself. He is the only formula I need to know.

Alley-Hoop

It's funny. I usually worry about the things that I do not want my children to hear or learn about from someone else; you know- sex, drugs, violence and the like. I think when I am old I am actually going to laugh about and enjoy the things my children know that I do not. God has blessed me with an early example of this. The other night I was nursing Annie in my room and I had on the Carolina-Duke basketball game. I know many of my friends think that I have totally abandoned my alma mater and that the only sports my children know of is SEC football. Well, thanks to my nine-year old, our lives have been overcome with details about all different sports. Hard to believe that there wasn't even such a thing as SportsCenter when I was growing up. So, back to the bedroom. The game was on and Sandy, the most observant and quick of the clan, came in to see me and just happened to see about 5 seconds of the game as she was passing the small screen on my dresser. As she came over to see me she replied, very casually, "Oh, that was an alley-hoop." I didn't even know she had watched much basketball, much less getting the names of the plays down. I didn't even know exactly what an alley-oop was until I asked Griffin. Oh, the joys of having a big family! I love it that we all teach each other things as we walk through this life together.
I'm sure there are going to be things that Sandy learns about that aren't as innocent as an 'alley-hoop', but for now I can rest and enjoy the protection and care God has provided for her and my other children. I do not have to live in fear; I'll protect them as best I can and God will provide the joys of living under His grace and mercy.