It's a scene that repeats itself often throughout my days: My hands are busy with one of the many tasks that need to be accomplished in the course of the day... and I'll be interrupted by a small voice or a little pair of hands, asking for help or pushing something into my hands to be mended or opened. This means that dozens of times a day, I'm given the opportunity to react one of two ways; I can get frustrated by the interruptions that keep me from being as efficient as I used to be... or I can remember that these little moments are my chances to show my children what it means to be a servant-leader.
Truth be told, it's a constant struggle for me... and at times I fail. (Those are the moments when I get to show my children what it means to put down pride and apologize when a mistake is made.) But I've learned something along this little journey; it's much easier for me to react in love when I remember what my priorities are. The purpose of motherhood is not primarily to keep a clean house, or keep up with the laundry... the primary purpose of motherhood is to mould little ones, to equip them to follow Christ with the best that we can give them. If my daughters grow up seeing a mommy who is impatient with their little daily moments and gets frustrated when she's interrupted, then they will have a tough time learning to be gentle and patient with their own little ones.
It is so important for us to keep our priorities as mothers in perspective... we can impact our children and the world, but only when we keep our priorities and purpose in focus.
Ephesians 4:1-3
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
12 comments:
Great post Christie. Thanks for sharing your heart! I totally agree with you, when I am focused on HIS priorities instead of my own, my attitude is so much better!
Blessings,
Joy
Amen and amen! You will bless the day you realized these things and put them into practice. I promise.
It sounds like you've been reading my mind! This is exactly what the Lord has been working in my heart about...priorities. It is so easy to let our priorities get out of balance. I love you girl, and I'll be praying for you!
You are so right,...the housework and the laundry can wait,...but those little ones are your greatest blessings, and little treasures given to you for safe keeping. (Smile)
Keep up the good work,...take those minutes here and there to teach and guide and love and pamper them.
This post will prompt other young mommas to do the same. (smile)
I am an old momma and it touched my heart.
When I had my daughter on the phone today I asked if I could speak to several of my grandchildren,...and it made my heart soar to hear their sweet voices. And just think,...I could have missed that blessing if I had rushed on to something else.
I think we all need to take time to smell the roses,look at the trees, breathe in the God given air,...and to count our many blessings!... Namely, our precious children and grandchildren.
Thanks!
Linda @ Truthful Tidbits
Thanks for your post, I needed this reminder... I just yelled at my daughter for, yes, interrupting me (there was some whining thrown in too which didn't help) and I just had to go apologize myself! AAAH! Motherhood is such a test of patience for me, and my mom was not very patient, so I pray daily that God will help me be calm and kind to my children.
This is also something I have been challenged with lately. Goodness I think I will always challenged in this. Sometimes I lose my focus of motherhood and get "too" focused on learning more about eating healthy or saving money. All things that can be godly but not when they take my focus off of raising godly children who will seek my Father's face.
Thanks for the reminder. Blessings.
beautifully said. thanks!
Lovely post. You are right about what our goals should be, it is about raising our children for His glory. Only those things that are done for the Lord will last. Now doing laundry with a cheerful heart to demonstrate that to our children may last, but it is still for their character training and ours. May God give us the grace and wisdom to minister to our children in a way pleasing to Him!
btw, my husband and I really enjoy your husband's blog. :)
It's true... my daughter is 16 now and I can see some of my less than desirable traits coming out in her - like losing my patience and snapping at the younger children. We must pay attention to what we are "teaching" our children!
WOW! Right to the heart. You put so much into a short post. It has brought conviction to my heart....I needed that. I reminder of what it really is all about.
Oh how true! I constantly need reminded of this. I often get impatient when I get interupted by the kids when I am "busy". I need to take this opportunity to listen and nurture them rather than brush them off till *later*. I just found your blog and am so thankful I read this post. :) I don't have much time to go around reading blogs...but I truly needed to read this today! Thanks! Have a great rest of the week!
So very true...
Stopping to listen to "big kids" (teenagers) is sometimes equally difficult, but such times are precious because we have their hearts.
Such a good reminder. Thanks.
Beth Discher
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