Wednesday, March 25, 2015

What to do when your life looks mostly like this:

toddler in my lap. baby bump (due August 1). grilled cheese. watching Backyardigans.

I may have been sent to Uganda, but my everyday probably looks a lot like yours, perhaps with better weather.

We are all called to go into all the world and make disciples. Most days I can do that from my living room, or my laptop. You might do that through your bank account, your prayer closet, or your neighborhood playground.

If you are anything like me, though, it doesn't always happen. I don't gather my kids around the Bible everyday. I don't pray for them like I should. I can rush through a whole day cooking, chasing, resting... without ever glancing in His direction. This is why I needed the word "tend" this year. I need to be intentional. I want to tend my little flock well.

I've discovered there are a few things I can do daily that help me remember that I am a "sent one":

  • Stay in the Word, especially the Gospels. Even if it's just one verse to cling to for a whole week- write it somewhere you will see it. And keep clinging!
  • Ask Him what He wants you to tend today. I've given up on living a "balanced" life- ebb and flow is much more realistic. And as I ask Him what to tend He gives me His assignment for the day (and it's generally way more do-able than the list I have in my head)- some days it's baking for my people, other days it's reaching out to other missionary women. Sometimes He reminds me to tend to my husband, and occasionally He says "Let Me tend you today". And when I accept His assignment I don't have to feel guilty that I am not being all things to all men every moment! Hallelujah! Such freedom in obedience!
  • Surround yourself with other women in the same season of life. And encourage each other in your mission! It has been a blessing to join a weekly Bible study targeted at pregnant mamas in a nearby slum. Not only do I get to minister by my very presence at this Bible study, I am in their same season of life. It is good for me to be reminded of the vital ministry we have to our children and future generations!
  • Don't compare! You are uniquely sent wherever you are. He didn't send anyone else. Embrace your role and your season and make disciples! {totally preaching to myself as I wish I could be a tad more productive these days}
What season are you in? What does disciple-making look like for you?



14 comments:

  1. Hello, I am Gabi. I am a single mom to my three adopted Ugandan daughters in Jinja. Since discovering your blog somehow it has been a great source of blessing and encouragement to me & I just wanted you to know. Thank you for writing.(www.withateaspoonofgrace.wordpress.com)

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    1. Thanks, Gabi! Next time you are in Kampala we should meet up!

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    1. Thanks, Lorraine :) wish we could do coffee soon!

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  3. Hi Kelly! I enjoyed your blog tonight. i came to the conclusion that I find I am too busy to get into His word. i just do not find the time. so I have decided to take your advice..... i took a photo of a Bible verse and made it my home screen on my cell, so I will be readinng Matthew 225:40 this week. i have a great prayer life, i keep your family in pryer. i will take time to talk with God on where he wants me to Tend! Thanks again for your insite

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    1. So happy Jesus could use my words to get you into His word!! So valuable! Praying His word bears much fruit in your life this week!

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  4. I loved your post! I am not in Uganda, nor do I have children. But, yes, no matter what season, we must tend to our souls. I am lacking in community I think. It was easier in Honduras where community and being with others was so routine and natural. Back in the US in our individual lifestyles, I tend to forget my need to seek community. Blessings, Kelly!

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    1. Yes! Community is so valuable no matter what season!

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  5. Kelly, I'm so glad you linked up to Velvet Ashes this week. I've also given up on the idea of a balanced life in favor of living a daily Spirit-led life. The way you've described the ebb and flow of following Him resonates with me. Thanks!

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    1. ebb and flow is really the only way I can make sense of life these days! so grateful to help put words to it for you.

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  6. I love your picture, Kelly! Being "sent" doesn't always look like the pictures we tend to hold in our heads...I love "Ask Him what He wants you to "tend" today" - that would certainly simplify my life, like you said I am inclined to have way more on my list for the day than He does. :-)

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    1. oh my, and He can be so gracious in what He puts on my plate. It is definitely better to let Him write my list :)

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  7. Oh, I resonate with the ebb and flow idea too! All of your words here are rich and wisdom-filled. And yay for your beautiful baby bump! :)

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    1. Thanks, Danielle! He is really helping me these days. I certainly don't get it right all the time :)

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Thanks for joining the conversation!