Encouraging "Math"

Mrs. Beaver:

Oksana and Alexander on the day we went to court to become their parents
October 2010

Mr. Beaver shared a quote from John Piper recently that I have found very encouraging:

"Mom (never enough) + God (infinitely enough) = Mom enough"

As I anticipate next week's surgery and the recovery afterwards, this "math equation" has become even more precious to me. I can never be all my children need in a mom in my own power, but during this season of chronic pain, surgery and recovery that's especially true. It's okay, though. God is meeting my children's needs. The same God who calls Himself "Father to the Fatherless" is also more than willing to help our family during this season of hardship. Mr. Beaver and I need only lean into our saving, rescuing God and He makes us "parents enough" by His abundant grace!

An Antidote to Feeling Overwhelmed

Mrs. Beaver:

It's hard to believe. The wedding week is here. This morning the bride and groom went off to secure their marriage license. The bejeweled gown that has been hanging in my closet for months now will be worn by my oldest daughter this Saturday. Both sets of Tessa's grandparents arrive tomorrow.

There are a number of things to be done yet. Daily more and more friends and family from far away places will be arriving. Many of them will be staying in our home, and I hope nearly all of the out-of-towners will share a meal or two with us at some time during the week.

In addition, there's the quietly nagging notion that this is the end of a season in our family. This week marks the end of all twelve of our children living in our home. This week marks the end of our beloved Tessa being part of daily life around here. This week also marks the end of my being able to lean on my oldest daughter for help and support as I have done now for years while raising so many younger children and managing an always-busy household.

I could find it easy to be wound tighter than a spring right now. But these words which I read in The Valley of Vision (pg. 375) this morning reminded me that I want something better than to be the stereotypical stressed-out mother of the bride:

"May I be daily more and more conformed to Thee, with the meekness and calmness of the Lamb in my soul."

I want to be a mirror of my Saviour's ability to exude both strength and peace at the same time. I could never pull that off on my own, but thankfully I don't have to. Since Jesus is my Saviour, the Holy Spirit resides in me. The Spirit is willingly conforming me to be meek and calm like Christ. I am infused with His power. Through Him I can focus on and love the more than 250 people who will share in the festivities. 

In order to access this antidote to feeling overwhelmed, I must slow-down and cry out to God for help. I must trust that He will work out the complex logisitics necessary to put on a wedding. This week--and every week--I must busy myself with delighting in Him. He is my King, and I will lean on Him.