My husband and I started building our home about nine years ago. We built it ourselves so it took us over two years to complete. During the build we lived with my parents for four months, my in-laws for a year, and an apartment for a year. Because we had a low budget we tried to only contract out what we couldn't do ourselves. I remember hanging off a ladder painting the trim on our roof while being pregnant.
I remember my daughter's wardrobe consisting of paint and drywall stained clothes. I remember every weekend gathering as many family members as we could to help. I remember my mother-in-law spending weeks insulating the entire house. And no, we are not cruel. She really offered and seriously wanted to do it!
I remember moving into our unfinished house less than a month before my due date. I remember being upset that my water broke the day I planned to paint our bathroom. I remember coming home from the hospital and having people come to visit while trying to maneuver through construction supplies. My husband and I dedicated every free moment we had and worked hard to build our house. Now, seven years later, our beautiful home is slowly being destroyed by four little tornadoes.
However, God has taught us that even though we worked hard, the joy we have with our children is worth infinitely more than our house.Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy (or kids), and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21, emphasis mine).
Though our house is wasting away, God is building our family upon the indestructible foundation of His love. So as much as it frustrates us to see another thing in our house destroyed, we have to remind ourselves where our true treasures lie—in living for Christ and enjoying the family God has given us.
Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.
—Psalm 127:3
How about you? Are your children little tornadoes too? Please tell me I am not alone!
I remember my daughter's wardrobe consisting of paint and drywall stained clothes. I remember every weekend gathering as many family members as we could to help. I remember my mother-in-law spending weeks insulating the entire house. And no, we are not cruel. She really offered and seriously wanted to do it!
I remember moving into our unfinished house less than a month before my due date. I remember being upset that my water broke the day I planned to paint our bathroom. I remember coming home from the hospital and having people come to visit while trying to maneuver through construction supplies. My husband and I dedicated every free moment we had and worked hard to build our house. Now, seven years later, our beautiful home is slowly being destroyed by four little tornadoes.
However, God has taught us that even though we worked hard, the joy we have with our children is worth infinitely more than our house.Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy (or kids), and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21, emphasis mine).
Though our house is wasting away, God is building our family upon the indestructible foundation of His love. So as much as it frustrates us to see another thing in our house destroyed, we have to remind ourselves where our true treasures lie—in living for Christ and enjoying the family God has given us.
Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.
—Psalm 127:3
How about you? Are your children little tornadoes too? Please tell me I am not alone!
*Next week is my other blog's (Sharing Truths) one year anniversary! I will be featuring six different authors and a giveaway each day. I will have signed copies from Gary & Norma Smalley, Penny Zeller, Chuck Balsamo, Dave Moore, Deborah Bateman(ebook), and yours truly-Amanda Beth! Come to this website or Sharing Truths next Monday for the first giveaway.
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