So it's taken me about 4 years to figure this one out! After having children, there were 2 areas of my life that dramatically changed. One was my devotional life. I am learning, that the key is my attitude:
My devotional life doesn't have to be...
...quiet...:)
....at 5:30 am every morning
...in the same spot every morning
...reading of an entire chapter
...w/ notes
...and a concordance
..with a long prayer list of people and circumstances
Rather...my devotional life can be...
...at 12, 2, and 4 am. while nursing a baby
...at 1 pm while my kids are napping and it's quiet
...at 11 pm after everyone's asleep
...flopping my Bible open and grabbing a few verses while feeding the children breakfast
...with my children on the couch, wiggliness, corrections and all
...on some extremely busy, just-putting-out-fire-days, the scriptures on my walls can be my "food"--amazing how you can forget they're even there!
...praying while at the kitchen sink washing dishes and watching the kids play on the swingset
...praying w/out ceasing throughout my day...as the Lord brings people to mind
...a whole-day approach to communing w/ the Lord, instead of 30 minutes in the morning-"Check it off my list" type of thing.
...lying in bed first thing before I get up, asking God for wisdom and joyfulness and energy to serve the people I love best
...worshipping God while I do the "little/mundane" tasks of life
...praising God when I see the beauty of a sunset, the beauty of God's creation, the sweet expression of one of my babies...
I'm not saying all this to excuse the need to "study to show ourselves approved unto God." There are certain seasons of our lives that allow more time for such priviledges. The season of young motherhood doesn't have to be a season of barenness, though. I believe it's all a matter of focus. Who am I focused on? Who do I run to when I need help? Who or what do I commune w/ most throughout my day? (negative thoughts, mentally complaining, talking on the phone, chatting on the internet...etc) I've been realizing that running around every day w/ the "burden" of not getting my quiet time done, is not the way to live. Many days, I have it "hanging over my head." I don't like that feeling! I believe the Lord knows and sees all the things that we, as mothers, have to do. Leaving the children, dishes, housework, and laundry to go "get spiritual" is not "it." I believe taking Christ w/ us as we teach and train the children, as we do the dishes, laundry, and housework...that's how we can commune w/ the Lord as we do the things He's called us to.
I've been realizing more and more, that who I am, or rather Who or what is in me, will either attract or detract my children from the Gospel. What good is it, if I've had my hourly devotion time, if I'm crabby and short w/ my kids and unsubmissive and grouchy w/ my husband. I already "know" lots...it's doing it that's important. Running around everyday being distraught that the children have "kept me from" my all-important devotion time is not being Christlike. I've just realized that having the attitude of all-day-communion w/ the Lord, mainly in my thoughts and prayers, is the answer of this busy and consuming season of motherhood.
I love the days when I plan the night before to get up early, before the kids, and preferably w/ Justin, before he leaves for work, just to read my Bible and pray. It does start the day of on the right foot. And I am getting a few more of those days, here and there. But, all is not lost if we wake up w/ the kids and our feet hit the floor running. For me, it's taking the little moments to turn my heart towards God, to ask Him for help and wisdom as I tackle the issues of the day. I believe that's what that scripture in Galatians means when it says, "To walk in the Spirit..."
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Gal. 5
These fruits in us, will (by God's grace) help our children "see" Christ in us, our hope of glory.
~just a few things God has been teaching me...and thought I would share~
...I wish I had more time to write down everything I'm learning...I love it! I'm just finished a new book, I'm learning so much from gardening, I've been researching natural health cures, trying out remedies and herbs, making yogurt, putting up some veggies...I'll write more as I have time...Have a good Tuesday everyone!!
3 comments:
Great post with some good points!
MrsM
I've been having the same exact thoughts about "quiet time". The past few years were the first time in my life where I was able to have lengthy studies and now that 2 little ones have been placed in my home- well, let's just say, I had forgotten how much work little ones are :) I'm learning to use my little snatches of time in His word and prayer. I just love when I find a kindred spirit. God Bless, Tami
Tell us the title of the book you are reading. I love getting recomendations from other mom's on books.
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