Our measure

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. [1] All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:25-30, esv

I was reading this verse this morning and it dawned on me. I know I have been kind of going through a sort of "rocky/rapids" kind of season since coming off of active duty in the Spring of '03. I mean it has just been pretty much non-stop with various medical issues with my children, some financial issues, and relational issues with my beloved. And yet I felt like the Lord was telling me "to whom is given much, much is expected" (Luke 12:48). In the past I have always interpreted that as abundance. You know an abundance of material wealth. But this morning it sort of hit me. Our struggles are a blessing too. I mean, I've always heard that blessings are also a gift from God, but somehow it was different this morning. Don't get me wrong. I am not comparing my little triffles with real trajedies or sufferings. What I am going through is so minor as to not be considered equal... But in the passage above God is telling me, telling us, to come to Him. This passage along with 1 Cor 10:13 tells me that if He has allowed these 'travails' to be a part of my life, then He has provided me with the strength and the endourance to sustain. And in what I have learned, what I have been given, I need to share with those in need. (Luke 3:11) In my case we have been learning about how to be good parents and advocates for my DS2. Some of it we have had to 'cut a trail'. Some of it the Lord has brought people into our lives to learn how to work the system. But others He has brought into our lives to come alongside. To help them. I give most of this credit to my beloved. She has just been an outstanding mother. She fights, and fights. She digs for the nuggests of truth. She researches out what we need to do. And she is among the first I know to offer assistance to those whom God brings into our lives. Her 'tact' may be a little coarse, but her compassion is amazing - and I pray evident as a light on a hill. So, my encouragement to my half dozen readers or so is to see what God has given you two of, and seek whom He has also brought into your life that has none - and then share it. Weither it be blessings of materials, or blessings of struggles. Verse for today: Psalm 126, esv When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb! Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.