God has been working on my heart quite a bit lately. Or maybe I’m just getting better at listening. I thought I would share what He has been teaching me. Perhaps it will inspire you. I hope it will…
The Lord has impressed on my heart that I am entering a season in which I need to be more focused as a mother. I believe that I’ve always been pretty intentional when it come to motherhood (sometimes to the point of worrying too much), but training a toddler requires a different kind of mindset than caring for a baby.
I am increasingly aware of my daughter’s need for discipline in order to learn right from wrong (Note: Discipline does not always equal punishment. More on that subject in another post!) and my God-given call to guide her in this, pointing her to Christ. This enormous responsibility requires a lot of concentration and time–not to mention a massive amount of prayer.
In the midst of this revelation, I have come to understand that in order for me to become the mother that God has created me to be there must be sacrifices. {Tweet this}
Sacrifice is a word we as humans cringe at when we hear it. We don’t like the idea of giving up something. And if we do make sacrifices, we are tempted to play the martyr and make sure everyone knows how much we suffer because of it. Often, I think it is because we don’t fully understand what a sacrifice is.
sac·ri·fice [sak-ruh-fahys]
noun“The surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim.” (Dictionary.com)
I really appreciate what the last part of the definition says, “for the sake of something considered as having a…more pressing claim.” When you consider sacrifice in this terminology and in the sphere of Biblical parenting, what you give up pales in comparison to the end result of your surrendering.
As Christian mothers, there are some questions we must ask ourselves:
The point I’m trying to make is not that you should give up all your hopes, plans and dreams because you are a mother. Please do not put words in my mouth. However, we do need to be willing to give up anything that God would asks us to surrender in order to achieve His best for our family. It’s a matter of the heart. And it is vitally important that we are in constant communion with Lord, allowing Him to direct our every decision, because our actions greatly affect and influence our children.
In light of this, I am re-defining some of my plans. I am not giving up blog or writing, because I believe it is a ministry that God has called me to continue. At the same time, I do believe He is directing me to change some of my methods and concentration. I will be posting more about that in the new future. (Hopefully in the form of a Heart to Heart Conversations vlog).
Will you join me in the pursuit of surrendering fully to the high calling of motherhood? I believe the souls of our children are worth the sacrifice. Don’t you?
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Girl – you are spot on. Training a toddler takes a completely different type of energy! Honestly, I have found the time between the first and second birthday to be the most trying. These little ones are so mobile and want so much to do everything yet have no understanding of danger or the word “no.” Praying for your transition!
Thanks, friend!
I am a mostly empty-nester now (one is living in college in town and two others have their own places in town, so they are at home a lot) and didn’t start my blog until a year ago. I did some writing when I had all four at home, but I couldn’t have done a consistent blog like this while caring for toddlers, a husband and a home. I’m amazed at those who can. And totally agree that they are more important than our other ministries.
Sharon recently posted..Half Full? Half Empty? Who Cares, All Dirty!
Sharon, I do just about all my writing when my daughter is asleep! lol Since writing is therapeutic for me, I consider it my down time, even though it’s still work. But, I agree with you… There are some women I look at and wonder how they accomplish as much as they do…. and then I remind myself that I shouldn’t compare myself to other people. As long as I’m doing what God called ME to do, I’m doing good! Thanks so much for your comment.
You are so right…We do need to hyper focus on our children when they are little even if we must sacrifice something to do so. I also like that you mentioned discipline does not always mean punishment. For many children especially special needs children positive discipline is much more effective.
Sylvia recently posted..A message to all my followers
Sylvia- Having the diligence to have that hyper focus can be a challenge, can’t it? I’m so thankful we serve a God that will give us what we need to accomplish the task of raising godly children!
Jenni, I absolutely LOVED this post! Wow, so true, and so important to remember. It’s so easy to get caught up in “good things” and neglect our mothering, and all it involves. I would love it if you would post this at my Tuesday link up party:
http://courtshipconnection.com/?p=3957
I know my readers would enjoy it, and benefit from it!
Kathie
It can sometimes be difficult to discern what “good things” we need to let go of, but I know that God is faithful to guide us when we have the desire to do His will. Thanks for your comment, Kathie!
Thanks so much for hosting this linkup today!l! It is a blessing to share with each other in this way. I was looking for your linkup last night (but duh…i t find it…I am sure it was there but I was tired) and I got to soaking up your words about raising your daughter. You reminded me of decisions I had made when my children were growing up (sigh, they grew up
One of the things I am going to do today is to spend time (it’s been on my To-Do for too many weeks, LOL) revamp my boring menu/grocery planning as it has become an ‘issue!!’ So, I have saved your blog so I remember to come back and spend some time here. Thanks so much for sharing your ideas!!
Judith at WholeHearted Home recently posted..A Different Path & WholeHearted Home Wednesday LINKUP
Judith, you are so sweet. Thank you for your kind comment. I am trying to get a little more creative with my menu plan as well. Hope your revamp goes well.
Wow, very, very well said!
Thank you, Ashley. I hope it was a blessing to you!