Our hardest struggle right now is merging two families into one. I have more compassion for blended families now than ever before. I am even saddened at how ignorant or complacent I have been in the past about the struggles close friends have had in their family transitions and how they had to walk that path with one less friend....me.
If you ask me, I have 7 kids. If you ask some of my kids, they might tell you they either have 1, 2, or 3 siblings right now. Everyone I talk to says it takes time. You can't expedite this process. You can't take short-cuts. We have to live through it and have life experiences together.
....and gracious...(Ps 103:8)
God doesn't give us what we deserve. He is full of grace. I am understanding more of who God is as I parent, comfort, and coach this bunch. How gracious HE is towards us as we have tantrums, bicker, and tear down one another in His family.
...Slow to anger....(Ps 103:8)
Slow to anger. I so miss this attribute in myself. When I sigh, roll my eyes, respond hastily at one more thing....I am reminded at how God is slow to anger. What would I do if He responded to me with sighs and frustration? I wouldn't even be able to bear it. And I stop myself in mid-sigh sometimes and pray to be more like Him.
....abounding in lovingkindness....(Ps 103:8)
Abounding--much, many, great, exceeding in lovingkindness. If you asked any one of my kids to describe our days, I am pretty sure the feeling of "abounding in lovingkindess" would not be in their vocabulary.
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
I pray I am more like Him.
