The Currier Family: running to win

Today we are all healthy.

I am so thankful! It has been such a physically and emotionally draining nine months of one sickness after the next. But even though there was sickness, life still had to go on. Meals had to be cooked, school had to get done, kids had to get bathed, clothes had to be washed, we had church, soccer, CC, CEF stuff..... It has not been easy.

One of the verses I put to memory this year is, "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win." I wish I could say that I was running to win every single day. That my eyes were on the prize. Not really. Many days I was completely overwhelmed and as soon as I woke up every morning, my mind was already writing my to-do list for the day. I am ashamed to admit how many times I would focus on my list of things to get accomplished and overlook the goal of life- to bring glory to God. I forgot that "the mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps." (Proverbs 16:9) I would get frustrated when my plans weren't going well because of interruptions and not realize that it was part of God's directing my steps. He would point me in a different direction ("Leah needs you to stop folding laundry and cuddle with her", or "Andrew needs you to take time to do his math with him. He is feeling insecure about his abilities", or "I know you hate shopping, but Brianna could really use some time with you" or "Why don't you stop worrying about the house and just play a game with the kids", or "Take some time to ask Matt about how he's doing with summer ministry plans".....) So many times I would keep looking at my list and as I got interrupted, I would get frustrated. I would see the clock ticking closer to the end of the day and my list had way too many things left undone. I would tell myself I would get up earlier the next morning to get a jump start- and I would. But, by the middle of the day I'd be SO TIRED and.....a little edgy. :/ Guilt followed. I sure wish I hadn't been so snappy.

RUN IN SUCH A WAY THAT YOU MAY WIN

Win what? The Good Housekeeping Award? The Mother-of-the-Smartest-Kids Award? The Best-Loved-by-Others Award? The Best Cook Award?

Win what?

"they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable"

Clean house, good food, perfect organization, thin body.....perishable.

Investment in the lives of my husband and children, time with the Lord, going His way and not my own....imperishable.

Time for a priority check.