Embracing Every Moment: Mother’s Day Thoughts

My memories of when my children were young are more faint at times than I would like (thank you Lord for photos and videos) but I do have moments where I remember what it was like to be a mom of littles where chaos seemed to rule at times.

I do remember my grandmother reminding me to cherish these days because they go by so fast. Well, I’m now the grandmother, and I want to remind my young mama’s out there that it’s true. It seemed like yesterday that I was taking in the sweet scent of my newborn and now my newborn has her own children.

We don’t get a do-over but we do have lessons learned that the Lord allows us to share with others. I share here about our walk with the Lord as Christian women and much about keeping a home and caring for our families. One reason I do this is that I learned early on that we don’t get more hours in our day.

Even before I came to Christ as a young mom, I wanted to have an impact on my family, so they knew they were loved and cared for. I loved taking care of my family and home. I wanted to have time to be intentional together, but I also wanted to just enjoy the everyday moments of life together.

If I allowed my planning to take over and rule, those everyday moments would be missed. As I matured, I learned to manage my home but at the same time allow for the Lord’s plan in my days. You can’t let undone chores or tasks take priority over your relationships at home. You need to embrace those moments and make time in your day to “stop and smell the roses.”

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:26-27

I don’t have littles underfoot anymore and I can still find myself doing this with my husband. He is more important than laundry, and it will be waiting there for me but that moment with him may not.

When my grandbabies come over, it’s a great reminder to me to see life through the eyes of a child again. Mama’s take the time to just get down on their level and see what they see. Be amazed at that butterfly, watch those ants crawl across the driveway and lay down on the ground and look up at the clouds.

Let those popsicles and ice cream cones drip all over. Faces and clothes can be washed. When they come in covered from head to toe in dirt, you know they had a good day. Have a good belly laugh with them at their silly jokes and make up your own. Dance together in the kitchen with the music loud and cuddle close for storytimes and prayers.

Our work in our homes will always be there; it is a reality of life. Don’t look at your work in your home as begrudgingly but look it as a delight and give thanks that you have a home and family that needs to be cared for. Don’t stop learning how to get better at your home management because when you manage your home well, you will automatically have more free time in your day.

Learn to embrace each point in time as a gift from the Lord, the chores and the beautiful moments.

Learn to embrace each point in time as a gift from the Lord, the chores and the beautiful moments. Click to Tweet

Stop and smell that blooming flower and give thanks for the sweet smile and little voice that is going to grow up so quickly. Pray for and with those little ones and big ones too. Let them see your great love for God and His Word. Let them see your love for others. Hug them, love them and laugh much together. Cherish every moment my dear Mama’s.

Happy Mother’s Day and Much Love,

Marci

PS: For a bit more encouragement on the importance of your role Mama – take a read this Mother’s Day on The Influence of Godly Mothers & Grandmothers 

 

“Parenting is about the willingness to live a life of long-term, intentional repetition. God has called you to a life of patient perseverance. He has called you to be willing to do the same thing over and over again. He’s called you to slow down, settle in, and let Him progressively do through you what only He can do. He’s called you to believe that His plan and His timing are always right. He’s called you to be willing to live with what is incomplete and to be thankful for each new step that is taken. And He’s called you to look for opportunities every day to be part of His process of grace in the lives of your children. Here’s the bottom line: He has called you not only to parent your children but to lay down your life for them. He has called you to expend the major effort, time, and energy of your life for your children’s welfare. He’s called you to be His tool of grace again and again and again. Parenting really is a life of holy repetition.”  ~ Paul Tripp

I learned more about Christianity from my mother than from all the theologians in England.

~ John Wesley