Sunday mornings tend to be a hassle lately. Getting my children ready for worship service is difficult. My 4-month-old is attached to me at the hip as they say. So, as I am getting my daughter and myself ready, he is usually in his rocker screaming at the top of his lungs.
It's incredibly hard to hear his screams and continue getting ready. Sometimes I stop what I am doing to calm him down (and calm myself down) but I can't keep holding him. I have to put him down to continue getting us ready.
I imagine my stress levels on Sunday mornings is through the roof. Sometimes I make it all the way to putting him in the car seat and if the safety belt gives me a hard time (and it usually does) I want to just give up.
I sometimes think it's too much work and I should just stay home and watch virtual service. But this past Sunday as I slowed down the minivan at a red light I talked to God in my thoughts. I was just wondering why it had to be so hard to get ready on Sundays.
When I get the children ready on other days of the week it doesn't feel as difficult. Why is it so hard on Sundays? Not to mention many times when I finally win the battle to get to church, I can't actually sit in service because my baby is too cranky. I always have to step out so that he won't be a disturbance.
"Why am I fighting for this?" I thought. "What's the point?"
Then I looked to my right and saw a little sign that said Pressure Washing. I knew it was literally a sign for me. I am undoubtedly in a season of joy and answered prayer, but I am also in a pressure washing season. A pressure washer uses high forced water to cleanse. The power behind the water blast knocks away dirt and filth.
And I know God is currently using the pressures of motherhood to knock out things that are not like Him within me. He is washing away impatience and urging me to be merciful. He is washing away quick-tempered actions and replacing it with stillness of spirit.
Motherhood is teaching me things that a Sunday worship service cannot. Experiencing this mounting pressure washes me clean, makes me new. Trials of any kind should do this for all of us.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 NIV
God only wants me complete. Sunday's pressure and any other pressure experienced throughout the week is only for my good. It's hard to remember that during the screams that makes my anxiety shoot through the roof. But I am learning to just breathe through it and to keep my attitude in check throughout the process.
We've got to learn how to handle our difficulties with a quiet and confident spirit. Still yourself. You'll get through it. God sees all and will aid you. You're just being pressured washed. But when it is over, you will be cleaner. and you'll look better. You'll be completed. If you're willing, please join me in prayer.
Dear Lord, we thank you for this day. Thank you for your Son's sacrifice and our access to you. Lord, we know per your word that trials are meant to complete us. To perfect us.
Please help us remember this when we are in the thickets of uncomfortability. Help us still our spirits when it is inflamed with life's difficulties. Give us a peaceful, confident spirit to press forward when we want to give up.
And when the pressure washing is complete, let us see your work perfected in us. Thank you for your loving desire to make us new. We seal this prayer in your Son Jesus' name. Amen.
Alright y'all, have a blessed and safe week. 'Til next time, take care.
Quin Arrington is a Christian writer and author. Books available on Amazon at www.amazon.com/author/quinarrington