Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Nurse Rachel to the ICU...STAT!

I worked a shift in the ICU today. I haven't been doing too much of that recently, but I still occasionally grace the unit with my exceptional nursing skills. Smile. I always feel like a duck out of water when I'm there though.

Lots of shocked looks when I walk in the door. And oh, the common question from my co-workers is always, "Where are you working these days?" As if I must have some other full time position to be only be pulling occasional 12's here at the hospital. Surely. :)

My answer is always, "At home, actually."

You see, I have these 2 boys, and they need their mommy...(trailing off)

Yeah, well, they don't get it, do they?

"Oh, you must have a rich husband..." they say, or "I could NEVER stay at home with my kids!" (I love that one, because I never thought I could either! :)

And truth be known, raising 2 boys as a full-time mommy is more exhausting to me than a busy day in an intensive care unit, with all the beeps and monitors, physicians yelling orders, and families breathing down your neck. It's a lot of pressure, don't get me wrong. But it's a piece of cake compared to a life around here. :)

And I say that with a smile. Because I LOVE my boys and this job the Lord has given me to do. I was overwhelmed today with thankfulness for the life that I have, for the blessing of being able to train tiny hearts and watch them grow. Instead of spending my days working full-time, only to see my boys occasionally. This is a wonderful life! So what if we cannot buy everything our hearts ever desired? The contentment we can find in the Lord, in doing His work, far surpasses the joy of *things,* doesn't it?

These verses have been running through my mind:

"Now godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6


"The young lions lack and suffer hunger, but those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing." Psalm 34:10


"Behold, this is the joy of His way..." Job 8:19


Serving the Lord as a mother is a wonderful life, a life filled with joy. Thank the Lord with me today!

8 comments:

marti said...

Rachel, you bless us all with your attitude. It's true - there's no greater satisfaction than to be in the Lords will.

I joke often enough about the difficulties of raising kids. It is hard and there can be some very trying days. But this is how you and I learn, draw closer to the Lord and live to give testimony to the faithfulness of our great God.

Keep it up - live, love and labor for His glory.

Shawna said...

I agree, and I thank Him every day. Sometimes through gritted teeth to remind myself of what I do have to be thankful for! But the Lord is always gracious, and I love that He reminds us of just how much He has bestowed on us.

I also love what Marti said "there is no greater satisfaction than to be in the Lord's will", Rex is always telling me that the safest place to be is in the will of the Lord. Reminds me of what we tell our kids, "life is better when you obey."

Thanks for the reminder!

Grace Powell said...

Amen. God's way is the best way. If we are content with His provision, it will always be available. Being able to put your family first, whether you have kids or not, is His greatest blessing. And it doesn't take money-just dilligence, creativity and contentment.

Michelle said...

Thats such a good reminder...money is so deceiving...the Lord will bless you.

Shawna said...

amen, Grace!

Ruth said...

Wow, well said Rachel, I couldn't agree more! The Lord will bless you for your great attitude in following HIS will for you life. You are, as usual, such an encouragement to me. Love ya!

Heather Anne Riden said...

Thank you for the insight. haha, I know its a little over 3 miles. I run 4 to 5 miles a day anyway. I just need to condition and eat healthier!!
Im so excited for colorado! I will take tons of pictures. Oh, and I miss Ethan and Simon... I thought you should know that!

jenica said...

I read this this morning and it has blessed me all day! Thanks.

Putting efforts and energy where it isn't best leaves you empty. That can be at home, too, wherever.

Striving in His work (which is usually the most against our flesh) brings us fulfillment in His glory.