Trying hard.

Am trying hard to be a more organised mother/ housewife. One of the most frequently asked questions in this home is , "What's for tea?" I guess that's pretty normal for most homes with kids who, despite being fed at regular intervals never seem to be satisfied. The other most asked question is, "When is tea?" Life here at the Rectory seems to revolve around food. I heard it said that there are two kinds of people; those who eat to live and those who live to eat. If you could see the ever expanding waist lines of the in-mates here you would know which category we fit in to.

Sadly the answer to the aforementioned questions is usually, "I don't know," on both counts and so today I have surpassed myself by producing a menu for the next 5, I say 5 days and the promise (well, intention) that the said meal will be on the table at 6pm.

So, I am feeling quite heartened that for the next 5 days anyway everybody can be at peace knowing what there is to eat and when it will appear.

I am not the most disciplined of people. I struggle to have set routines for meals, housework, exercise etc. I soothe my conscience by telling myself that I am a spontaneous person and that I go with the flow. But with a husband and four children this doesn't always wash and I guess it's not fair for them to always have to wait to see what will appear spontaneously at dinner time!!

I have never really been that disciplined in my spiritual life either to be honest. I really want to walk closer to God, to hear His voice and to follow His call. But if I am honest, while my relationship with God needs that spontaneous, impulsive element it also takes discipline and commitment and focus so that I learn to walk closer, hear His voice and then follow His call.

Paul, on at least two occasions talks about training and running the race and pressing on when he writes to encourage others in their faith. In 1 Corinthians 9; 24-26 he talks about the importance of keeping going, running towards the prize, which is Christ Himself. In Paul's first letter to Timothy he writes about training in Godliness. This is not impulsive spontaneity but rather setting one's face to the wind and working at it.

So how to do it then???? Well, I guess first and foremost setting aside a regular time each day for prayer and Bible reading must come tops. Working out some way...the way God tells us as we spend time with Him, how we can put into practice what we are discovering. How to use our money,time and God given talents for His glory and to show His love to others.

Discipline is not such a bad thing....how can it be if it draws us nearer to our Lord and there is always room for spontaneity too and that's all got to be good.

Well, I shall spontaneously sign off and get tea and wow my family, all of whom sound worryingly spontaneous in the sitting room....what awaits me in there?????????


With love,

Rachel.