Refine and Remind

It's 2 a.m. I've been in bed for a few hours, yet I'm awakened once again when all I want to do is sleep. What awakened me? One of my beautiful babies, of course. During those unexpected (or should I say expected?) moments, God teaches me more of His beautiful truth: Parenting leads to many sleepless nights, yet God uses those times to refine and remind me.

Refine

God refines me in the wee hours by tearing away my selfishness. I cannot refuse to comfort the teething baby, the sick child, or the hungry infant. I cannot tell you the number of nights I have rocked babies to sleep wishing for my own sleep, yet seeing that God was molding me as I selflessly cared for another's needs above my own. My sweet husband has rocked his share of babies, too. I see the change in both of our lives as we care for the helpless.

Remind

Those sleepless nights and precious times in the wee hours when noises cease help me remember that I am but a child, too. Remembering when I cry out to Him in my helpless state that He selflessly will give everything I need helps me keep trials and tribulations in the right perspective: God is my nurturing, caring Father whose provision, protection, and comfort are never-ending. 

You may not be a parent, but whatever in your life requires sacrifice should refine and remind you as well. Remember the next time you are called to go above and beyond what you feel you can do in your own strength, God uses these times to make us holier, shaping us into the men and women of God He intends.