Yesterday was a tough parenting day. With the schools still being closed the teachers have been sending through work packs for the kids to complete so that they do not fall behind due to the lost teaching time. It’s like a double dosage of homework and let me just say, my son is not a fan of this idea. Some days go smoothly, but others are a bit of a fight to get him to complete the days work. Yesterday was one of those days where even before we had started he was already sulking and goofing off. Things got so bad at one stage I resorted to threatening to eat all his remaining Easter eggs if he didn’t do his work!
The “fun” didn’t end there and I’m sure many parents have experienced those days, during this lockdown period, that are filled with ears that don’t seem to function, reckless play that leads to the inevitable tears and all round evident frustration. It was not the best of days.
And so at bed time, before I read the next chapter for his bedtime story (a much beloved tradition) I prayed. You know, one of those “teaching prayers” that parents do, acknowledging it had been a day of bad behaviour but thanking the Lord that He forgives us and praying for tomorrow to be a better day.
Well, it’s that tomorrow now and my son woke me up early to open the passage security gate. He grabbed some breakfast and cleared the kitchen table. I thought, “Oh? This is different? Is he really planning to do schoolwork first thing this morning?” And he was! I can assure you that this is not usual. Despite this being something I had prayed for, I was still surprised. I am also reminded of one of favourite passages of Scripture:
22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.
(Lamentations3:22-23)
No matter how bad today was, there is always hope for tomorrow. A new morning represents a fresh start, a new beginning, a new opportunity for us to do it better, to do it right. Every time the sun rises at the dawn of new day, we are reminded of God’s new mercies for the day, every day. We are reminded of His steadfast love, His great faithfulness. Even if we’re in a place of brokenness and devastation, as was the writer of Lamentations, God’s mercies are new every morning. We can trust and have hope in His amazing love.
God Bless
Graham
I really liked and needed this mornings devotion. It’s a New Day! Praise the Lord!
Hi Graham, just want to know if I am allowed to “share” any of your messages onto my Facebook page please? I found today’s message particularly inspiring!
Kindest regards,
Dee.
With pleasure!
Thanks Graham, beautiful message.💛