"Children are not to be viewed as a hindrance, an intrusion, an interruption or a burden. Fruit is not to be viewed in such a way. Of course, fruit requires tending, and tending can be hard work. But it is good work. Women should see that their view of children is shaped by Scripture and not by the world. Hard work, when it is good work, is soul-satisfying and soul-prospering. No matter how many children the Lord may give you, be it two or twelve, you must rejoice in the number and be fruitful in the rearing of them."
In the midst of this world, when Facebook, TV, play dates (there is nothing wrong with playing and fellowshipping but when its 7 days a week and they are putting too much stress on the kids it is not fun anymore), friends, family, activities take priority over my kids, I find myself frustrated when they need me, need to potty, need to eat, want me to play or want me to just sit and cuddle. I'm wasting these precious and quick moments that I will regret not soaking up. And I'm truly wasting my life on things that won't matter They need me. They need a mommy filled with joy and not the world. They've been getting jipped. And I am done. I'm turning off my phone, turning off the TV, and making sure they are my priority.
So then, why don't I have joy in being a mom? Because when I'm focused on other things, my kids are an interruption. How sad. That's where I have been. Have you been there? It is not a fun place to be. When my littlest is teething and fussy and just wants me to hold him, or my oldest wants me to play soccer with him or needs to go to the potty it should bring joy to my heart that I get to be the one who is there to comfort and love on them!
To be cheerful in motherhood is to know who has called you to be a mother, being fully engulfed in Christ, even when being in Him and in the Word looks different than it used to. I don't have many times when I can sit down and read, write and pray like I did before kids. I didn't realize until lately that its ok that it looks different. I pray while cleaning toilets and making bottles. I do devotions while naptime is going on or listen to worship music and ponder God while driving to appointments. There are ways. I've found that I HAVE to make an effort to put selfishness away and I'm becoming more aware of how much selflessness it takes to be a mommy. Put simply I have had to get over myself. It has been a rough and sanctifying lesson to learn but my kids are getting the reward and so am I. I desire with all my heart for my kids to know and see my love for Christ and in return they would hear His calling for them. I pray this would touch your heart somehow. Be there, be ALL there for your kids. Put things down that you know are keeping you, first from Christ and second from your family. Be true and honest and let God mold your heart.
