I picked up the mail today and received Focus on the Family's Thriving Family magazine, described on their website as a "publication that encourages, teaches, celebrates and inspires families to thrive in Christ". I think it's a quarterly magazine but I'm not sure, I've never really paid attention. It's designed for Christian parents trying to raise Christian kids. There's a section for each age group, a section about marriage and a section devoted to the father's perspective. There are all sorts of good articles in every issue.
In this edition, an article called "Average Joe" caught my attention. The author, Troy Meeder, talks about the day-to-day grind of being a husband and father. It's not exactly the stuff he dreamed about when he was younger:
For years I sought recognition and accomplishment, convinced I was meant to be somebody. However, the Lord interrupted that pursuit, forcing me to come face to face with a simple but often forgotten truth: God and man view success in different terms. The world values accomplishment and appearances, influence and wealth. God looks at the heart, the integrity of a man. Whose approval was I seeking?
This is me. I was raised with the belief that I could accomplish anything. I could achieve anything I wanted, so long as I put in the effort. I was never daunted being female, either. With this understanding came the feeling deep in my bones that I was meant for something great, that God had a special role for me to play. It never occurred to me until recently that being a wife and mother might be that special role.
Where did this idea of "being someone great" come from? My parents never said anything like that to me. It was my own thinking. God gave me talents and abilities and with those I would do something, become someone, great. I just didn't think it would be living in the suburbs, raising children.
My husband is the example I try to follow. He is content no matter what. Note that I said 'content' and not 'happy', because I understand contentment to be something long-lasting, whereas happiness is fleeting. He lives life as though he wants for nothing. Ask him at just about any moment in the day and he will say he is perfectly content with his lot in life. He strives to be the best husband and the best father he can be. He lives for the happiness of his wife and daughter. He takes great joy in providing for us. I'm sure that in God's eyes he is a success.
I pray that I can be as successful, that I find peace and contentment in life, no matter what I do. I pray that I see and understand success and accomplishment through God's eyes.
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