"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." James 1:2-4 (NLT)
Oh, how I long to be perfect and complete. But I am far from that right now! I have just started a new Bible study at my church on the book of James, and I have a feeling that it's going to get real personal real quick. And that's a good thing. I have never really liked the opening verses of James, and I can't say that I love them now, but I am trying to live them out nonetheless.
In our study last week, we were asked to think about a personal struggle or "opportunity for joy" that we are currently facing. It actually took me awhile, but when I realized what my biggest struggle is right now, it hit me so hard how important it really is. I am a stay-at-home-mom, and although there are many days when I don't see the significance of what I do, I know that my influence in my children's lives is powerful and also a little terrifying. My struggle right now is teaching my son to be respectful while showing him that through my life at the same time. And there are days when it is much easier to tell him what to do than to show him what to do. And, sometimes unfortunately, my actions give him a clearer picture of what not to do.
I love my children dearly, more than words can say, and I want them to grow closer to the Lord because of my influence, not further away.
So I am trying to consider this an opportunity for joy and a time for my endurance and patience to grow. I am also praying for wisdom (another command James gives us), and I know that someday God will complete his work in me in this area.