Half Eaten Carrot

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”  

-Philippians 4:6-7

Do you ever go through seasons where it feels as though things are just out of whack?  A few months back I was going through trials in my home.  Nobody was getting along, I felt like the tension in our house was so thick, I could cut it with a knife.  My husband and I were not agreeing with how I was handling things, and I just felt like a crab.   I felt like a terrible mom and wife.  I was having a tough time dealing with the emotions I was feeling with the news about my mom, and I just was not handling things well, AT ALL!  

I was working part-time, and I had a prayer time with a couple ladies there.  They asked if there was anything I need prayer for.  I explained the frustration I was having at home, and that I was feeling convicted about it. One of the gals asked me to close my eyes and picture a situation I was explaining with me and my responses to things with the kids or my husband.  Then she asked where I pictured Jesus in this situation, and if He was in the room? When I closed my eyes, I couldn't see Him in the room. She then asked what I felt His response would be to how I was acting.  I told her I felt if He was there He would be angry with me.  She explained to me that's wouldn't be Him, because He does not get angry with us. He loves us, and is never angry with us.  She then prayed with me and had me speak it out loud:  

"Father please forgive me for my sins, 

Please help me with the situations I am facing, and give peace to my home.

Help me to remember that I am a GREAT Mom, 

and the struggles I face do not define me who I am.

Help me to remember that I am a GREAT Wife, 

and the struggles I face do not define me who I am."

She reminded me that He is never angry with me.  She also told me she kept getting a picture of a half eaten apple, which she wasn't sure what that meant. I told her I wasn't sure at first.  I began to think about it and said I got it!  I left a half eaten carrot on the counter in the bathroom that afternoon as I was busy getting all the kids ready before work.  I was super embarrassed because there was a guy working on our house that needed to use the bathroom, and I left the half eaten carrot in there by the faucet.

So what does that mean?  To me, I felt He was reminding me that He is ALWAYS with us! He is there in the good times, He is there during our struggles, and He is there during our pitfalls. He is not angry with us when we fall and doesn't leave us. When I feel like things are getting chaotic and I start feeling that same tension, I remember that half eaten carrot.  I sit down and I pray for His spirit to come and His peace to fill our home.  Its amazing what happens by the end of that prayer.  Every time a blanket of peace and comfort fills my heart and I can breathe again.  

Prayer Time

Please help us Father to remember you are ALWAYS with us.  No matter how we have been acting lately, no matter if we read our bible, or remember to pray.  You are ALWAYS with us, and we are made whole by your love. Thank you for meeting us where we are today.  We love you so much and thank you for all your wonderful gifts.  We pray to you today for your gift of peace and that it would fill our homes.  Help us to remember to take a moment and pray when things get tough.  We love you Jesus! 

In your name we pray, AMEN.