We're in the Tunnel Now....

We're in the tunnel now,
We're in the tunnel now,
Hi, Ho the Merry-O,
We're in the tunnel now.

(a little faster...)
We're in the tunnel now,
We're in the tunnel now,
Hi, Ho the Merry-O,
We're in the tunnel now.

(even faster)
We're in the tunnel now,
We're in the tunnel now,
Hi, Ho the Merry-O,
We're in the tunnel now....

(and just as you approach the exit, where the sunlight is visible...slowly)
And now we're out.

As a child, my family travelled back and forth to Tennessee. On the road, we passed through a tunnel where we always sang that song. We sing it now with my girls and it's a catchy tune that you just can't get out of your head. I'm not sure why or where the song originated. My parents taught us to live life with a song in our hearts, and we often sang about our daily tasks. It may however, have originated as a distraction for an otherwise scary situation. A short period of time, where the lights are out, the noises are unusual, and an escape doesn't seem likely.

When you enter the tunnel, it is really dark. You must turn on your lights, and the radio and cell phones no longer work or have poor reception. If you were to become too cautious and slow down too much, you may be rear ended. If you become agressive and try to pass (which is illegal by-the-way) you may also cause an accident. During the darkness of the tunnel, where the cement/rock walls are only a short distance away, you must focus on the task at hand.

During the tunnels of life, when the lists of life become too long and the connections you once had to the outside world seem sketchy at best, don't slam on the breaks (these are the days that I just want to stay in bed), don't speed into a wreckless frenzy trying to escape the tunnel (I know that God is teaching me patience and that the situations of my life are for my refinement and to draw me closer to Him. Oh, my heart is broken at the times I've missed with my Jesus or with my family because I refused to enjoy the path in my pursuit of the finish line) . Slow down, with focus and direction complete the tasks at hand. Our heavenly Father has provided a light to show the way. We don't need to see all the way to the end of the tunnel. Whatever view He provides will be sufficient. It will be enough. He will be enough. Sing during the tunnel, praise your creator for His marvelous works. Trust His guidance and enjoy the ride through the tunnel. It won't be long till you are singing...."and now we're out"!

Spaghetti?

So, how are mothers suppossed to balance motherhood, being a wife/daughter/sister, following their God-given talents in service to the Lord, personal growth and a real relationship with Jesus Christ? I have struggled! I wanted all my little lists and "ideals" to line up perfectly in a row so that I can admire them without getting messy. It seems however that my Lord is drawing me into a place where He has beautifully interwoven my life in such a way that the most delicious meal sits before me. All the noodles are messy and tangled, but the sauce is simmering to perfection and my mouth waters at the Wonders He has Wrought.

The Holy Spirit brings to mind......Psalms 139:14-16 I praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Psalms 9:11 Sing Praises to the Lord!!