Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
I was a bit surprised by an article I read lately, about a mom who openly admitted she’s bored with her children. And it got me thinking…
Most times, I feel I lack the nurture gene, and yes, I admit I feel like this woman at times. Bored of playing with toys and dolls, aggravated by the never ending kiddie board game, and frustrated by driving my kids all over town.
I’m not one of those moms who loves to play with her children for the simple fact that I’m a type A personality, a Choleric/Melancholy, who sees so much to do around the house that playing a game often feels like wasting time. But it’s not! It’s all about molding the little minds and hearts God has given me and training them up in the way they should go.
How can I possibly do that if I don’t spend time with them in their world?
The article I read was convicting for me. It made me want to spend more time playing with my kids and less time doing stuff. And even though there’s probably precious time already lost, I’m going to look toward the here and now and play with my children. Here’s a new favorite game I LOVE playing with my 8 year old.
This summer, I’m going to pull out the board games and get down on my hands and knees more. I’m going to play video games, if they want me to because this life isn’t about what I can get out of it, it’s what God wants to me give to others, starting with my children.
I think you hit on the key–enjoying our children has to do with setting aside our own interests/wishes and looking for ways to join in their world.
I’m not naturally that way at all–in fact, I think God used my newborn son’s illness to make me more nurturing, his life depended on it! The payoff down the road though has been learning to really enjoy my boys, even if I don’t really enjoy the activity itself.
I hope you’re all having a great summer together!
I agree, Mary. You don’t always have to enjoy the activity to enjoy who you spend time with.
Gina, I really have struggled with playing with my kids. I am so glad that I am not alone in that. I am also glad that I married someone who can’t get enough of playing with the kids! 🙂 Awesome devo. Thank you so much for being real.
Desiree’
Desiree, even after I wrote this I STILL struggle!! I haven’t played with them as much as I should, but now that they’re getting older, there’s more we can do together!
I struggle with this too. I compare myself to other moms who enjoy those playful times with their kids and wonder why I don’t. I am going to try and make more of an effort to be more playful.
Barbie, I’m sure other moms wish they were more…fill in the blank. It’s the plight of being a mom…guilt!