Do you live your life in a constant state of go-go-go?
Hurrying from here, to get to there??
Hurrying from this task, to take on a new task?
I’ll admit it-I’m guilty!
I’m a multitasking person & I love having a variety of things on my plate; keeps things lively & interesting for me!
However, with every blessing comes great responsibility and while I enjoy “lively & interesting”, it’s important for me to realize that I have a little one tagging along, desperately trying to keep up. What kind of example am I setting, if I am constantly living in the fast lane & forcing him to run, just to keep up with my fast paced walk?
I think of the New Testament recording of Jesus’ time in Judaea, mingling with the people, answering questions & challenging the Phrasisees. Parents brought their children to Jesus, wanting him to lay his hands on them & pray for them, yet the disciples rebuked them, as if Jesus was too busy for such a thing.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.
Matthew 19:14 NIV
The phrase that jump out at me in this verse is, “When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.” It wasn’t until Jesus stopped, took time & placed his hands on the children that he went about his travels. He wasn’t in a hurry! He met their needs, right then & there.
As Christian parents, we know how amazing it is when Jesus touches us, right in the thick of our struggles. Oh how we crave His approval, His reassurance that you’re going to be okay and His peace.
If we are to demonstrate Jesus to our children, then what better image to exemplify than Jesus? Slowing down & taking time with our children. Answering their one-million questions. Including them in our chores & making those chores not only fun for our children, but fun for us. When our children have a struggle or a need, we can wrap our arms around them & pray with them, reminding them that a grateful heart accompanied with prayer produces amazing results.
I love this quote by Genny Heikka in her new book Finding Mommy Bliss:
Taking the time to look at the big picture & maintain a grateful heart, will empower us to have a blissful heart & one that embraces parenthood instead of simply getting through it.
Are you struggling through parenthood, hurrying from task to task, praying just to get through the day? Genny’s book may be just the tool God wants to use to encourage your weary heart; I know it’s doing that for this Step-Mamma!
With a grateful heart ♥
