As I got ready for bed one night this week I walked past this sight, in the middle of my living room floor. Our cat, who we call #slightlybetterbrownie on social media, was checking out the tracks left out by my kiddos.
Normally I would’ve told the kids to clean them up before bed, but I was away that evening so I couldn’t suggest a 10 second tidy. My husband, Mr. Awesome, is the laid-back parent who ignites their creativity and doesn’t mind the little messes. We’re a good balance that way.
These trains from IKEA have entertained the creativity and curiosity of my children for years and years. They couldn’t imagine parting with the whole set, yet they offer pieces to their friends, when they show an interest in them. I always giggle and think, what could their friends do with just a handful of pieces and one train? I admire the generosity of my children anyway.
For some reason the other night I just stopped and stared at these trains, thinking of how they remind me of my relationship with Jesus.
I LOVE Jesus, and can’t imagine Him not being in my life. I mean, I am more than willing to offer up what I know to help others, to actively seek to gain knowledge that I feel Him leading me to so I can help His people. I will go to bed worn out time and time again from a full day of serving His people, and praying over His people. I will cry big heavy tears of joy or sorrow and give all that I can when He calls me to.
I can do this because I am His, and He is mine. I am renewed and refreshed in Him and through Him each day.
A couple times a year we visit IKEA and we almost always end up coming home with a new set of tracks. They’re affordable and I imagine they’ll last a life time.
THAT is how my kids can keep offering out their tracks, because they are being replenished.
In order for me to keep offering out myself, I have to be replenished too.
Some of the ways I do this are through attending church, reading scripture from my Bible or my phone (I love the YouVersion Bible app’s home screen widgets and their reading plans), reading inspiring blogs, listening to friends who encourage me, and through physical rest.
Two final thoughts: 1. If a stash of something isn’t replenished it will run out. 2. Someone else may be replenishing your stash and you might not even know it.
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