The raw chicken analogy

I don't know about you, but handling raw chicken (or any kind of meat, really) makes me nervous.  It doesn't matter how many times I do it, I still get a bit fearful of salmonella and things of that nature.  The other night as I was washing my hands for the zillionth time, I was thinking about how annoyed I was that I was washing my hands...again.  Every time I touched the chicken or anything the raw chicken had touched, I was running to the sink to wash off all the yucky germs. 

Then I had a thought.   An analogy.  These don't always come to me, but this time one did.  I can't take credit for it.  The Holy Spirit knows when to intervene, especially when it comes to my bad attitude. 

I thought...how many times do I ask for forgiveness in a day?  From the Lord, from my husband, and yes...even from my own children.  Not enough, that's for sure!  But the Lord loves me.  No matter how many times I mess up.  He keeps on loving me, and washing me clean.  And He doesn't even get a tad bit annoyed.  He died so that my yucky self could come into His presence.  He wants to be close to my unclean heart.  He is so happy to forgive me.  Again.  And again.  And again. 

Amazing grace how sweet the sound. 

The Denim Jumper

I said I never would.
I said others can do it, but I really don't think I can.
I tried to fight it.
I tried to seek other avenues.
I tried to get out of it.
However....
The "H" word has found me.  The Lord has called me.  And I must move forward, seeking grace, patience, love, perseverance, joy, and all that comes with homeschooling.  Yes, you read that right.  Homeschooooooling. 
Get out the denim jumper!  I am ready!  Well, not quite ready...but committed. 
To kindergarten. 
I REALLY didn't want to do this, Lord.  WHY do you want me to do this??  Not every parent is called to do this!  Why do you want me to do it? 
Guess what? 
I may never know the answer to these questions.  At least not right away.  But I do know I have been called.  And when the Lord made it ever so clear to me that I needed to do this next year, tears of pure joy and thankfulness overtook me.  God had answered my prayer.  I think I was more emotional because of His clear answer than the actual decision.  The fact that I had been praying, seeking and asking Him what on earth to do with my daughter for school next year...and He answered me.  He cares about my precious little girl.  He cares about my wandering, question-filled heart. 
And He answered me.  I am so grateful.
All parents know exactly what I am talking about.  Wondering what to do about schooling....public school, private school, Christian school, homeschool?  PRAY.  And take it year by year.  Do not look at it as a 12 year commitment right off the bat.  For me, that is way too overwhelming.  Just pray that God will show you where He wants your baby...next year...and He will.  Promise.