New Beginnings (Part 3)
Let’s see if, together, we can come up with reasonable and realistic expectations based on not only the season of parenting you are in, but where you are emotionally, physically, intellectually and spiritually. In both the Old and New Testaments we are instructed to love God with all our heart (moral) soul (emotional), strength (physical) and mind (intellectual). [Deuteronomy 6:4-7; Matthew 22:37; Mark 10:27] All four areas are important.
The following may seem like an odd topic to start with, but I’ve found once I got myself in better alignment spiritually, many of the other areas fell into place. I continue to find this to be true in my life today. In my younger years, I felt pretty self-sufficient, even though I understood that I would never be “good enough” to earn my way to heaven. I knew who Jesus is and why He came to earth (Luke 19:10). I knew that He provided the only way to heaven and desired to fill that void that I often felt inside. In spite of having a loving, caring husband and two children who filled my days and heart with love, there was still something missing. (Please see Part 2 of this blog) When I recognized that God alone can fill that void, I was able to have more realistic expectations for my family. I’ve found that God is always ready to provide me with the wisdom necessary to manage my life and home.
Now my assurance of salvation was a once-and-done deal. The fact that Jesus is with me always and loves me no matter what is something that I needed to keep reminding myself, especially when the voice of discouragement or fatigue would seem to scream louder. Hopefully, this spiritual part of you has been taken care of and if not, please feel free to email us at contactmom.life where we have moms who will be more than happy to talk with you further about this important aspect of your life.
Realistically what expectations can one set in this area of spirituality?
· Birth to 5-year-olds: keep a daily, one-page devotional book at your table, or a desktop calendar that shares a Scripture verse for the day. While it may seem like a small investment into your spiritual growth, it’s a start. As your child grows, use a toddler or pre-school devotional book and keep that by the kitchen table to read at either breakfast or lunch. In this way you can introduce your child to God’s Word and you are renewing your mind with Truth. If you enjoy music, put together a playlist that includes worship music both for you and your child.
· 6-12 year olds: Find age-appropriate devotional books. There are also devotionals geared to your son’s or daughter’s interests. Even when your children are able to read, it’s a worthwhile practice to have Mom read aloud, again either at breakfast or lunch. If Dad is open to the idea, he could read at dinner time. Then ask short, engaging questions to see how the children are processing. Be sure to share your ‘take away’ as well.
· Teens: If the practice of have a devotional/quiet time has not been a practice in your home by the time your child reaches his/her teen years, but it is one you would like to introduce, start like you would back in the early years with a short, one-page devotional thought or Bible verse. You can also set an example by casually sharing a “verse of the day” or sharing with your teen what you are praying about for their day.
For those reading who have already been implementing some of these ideas, remember there will be ups and downs in each season. We may slack off for various reasons, but once you realize, “Wow, we’ve not been having our daily reading time!” just start up again. Please, don’t allow discouragement to win. Some of you may be parenting solo or both parents may be working outside the home. If so, start small - even if it’s only one day a week, like Saturday, when everyone is home and there’s no rush to get out the door. You won’t regret starting to implement a time to share with your children spiritually or making time for yourself to grow spiritually.
In our next time together, we’ll look at how having a practical rhythm to our daily life can help us be emotionally balanced. In the meantime, use this week to focus on your spiritual growth.
Blessings,
Anne Marie