'Audio version of this story' about 1 hour in 14 tracks.

The Cricket Story

Crickets and Hug Hospitality

I was pleased to learn that most adult crickets go to the cricket hereafter in the late autumn, but some may take refuge in a warm corner of a house for the winter. I admit it! I'd be mortified if I'd failed to hug up and relocate all the crickets that might be hiding if called on to practice instant hospitality.

But, please notice, I didn't say entertain! Hospitality says, "Come over for a cup of tea, I'll be glad to listen." The Holy Spirit hugs me and says, "It's ok. The dishes and laundry aren't as important as taking the time right now to hug a sister in need. When I don't worry about trying to impress others but am obedient in serving those the Lord sends my way, I'm the one whose blessed more.

My cricket friends can be extremely quick, lively and jump long distances unlike me. Because my back often limits my activities, I find refuge in my blue chair that hugs my back in just the right places. Before I settle in, I make sure my cordless phone and special Hug Basket are close at hand. Everything I need to send a hug by mail or phone quicker than a hopping cricket is at my fingertips in my basket, note cards, postcards, pens, stickers, address book, small Bible, pens, stamps and tissues.

I admit, I don't write as many hug notes as my good intentions would like and my excuse is probably the same as yours, bizzyness. No, that isn't a typo. It's my new word for being so busy I'm dizzy. And doing what?

Priorities

Keeping my priorities straight, I hope. It's hard sometimes with all the interruptions a mother has. Nevertheless, God gets my first hug every day (ok, almost), or the rest doesn't matter. I need to keep in touch with my Creator every day.

Our first command found in Matthew 22:34-37(NIV) says:

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " `Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.

I've learned that the most important thing I can do for my family isn't keeping a spotless house, cooking gourmet meals, or having everything perfect. The time I take to nurture my personal relationship with Jesus Christ every day is more important than a super mom award. The more hugs I give to God, the more He will give to me and the more I will have to hug others with. Besides the Bible has a few things to say about this. Consider this verse:

It is senseless for your to work so hard from early morning until late at night...God wants his loved ones to get their proper rest. Psalm 127:2 (LB)

Our #2 priority is our husband, not the children. We must make time for him, even if we have little ones. Trust me, they will survive with a babysitter for a couple of hours and the support and encouragement we give them is worth wonders.

Please Like & Share this article Now! Takes like Two Seconds. Thank You!

Addthis Sharing network below.

Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | Next

To top of page