In my life, questions like. . .What am I doing? Why am I here on earth? Am I making a difference in my life? Does what I do matter? What does this life mean?. . . have often plagued my thoughts...Click here to read Part 1 and Part 2 of this series.
In Part 2, I wrote how loving God is the first step in finding our purpose as moms. The second step is loving people. Loving people is loving God in action.
I think most of us long to make a difference in our lifetimes but doubt that God has big plans or even significant plans for us. How could He use me? I’m not a Billy Graham or a Rick Warren. But I think one of the things that I love the most about our great God is that He has a specific plan for us. It says in the Ephesians 2:10 (NIV), that He “created us to do good things- He planned for us long ago.”
Read this quote from George Barna’s Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions: "Our children will define the future, which makes them our most significant and enduring legacy. After all, God never told his followers to take over the world through force or intelligence. He simply told us to have children and then raise them to honor God in all they do."
One day I was praying and resting. Abby (my then 2 year old) woke up early from her nap and was sleepwalking over to me. I picked her up and she immediately fell back asleep lying on my chest. I was overwhelmed with this precious child that God had placed in my life. My child was the closest tangible thing to God. This little person was made in God’s image - in the Creator of the Universe’s image! Imagine that! He knows her better than I will ever know her, He loves her more than I will ever love her, and He has a greater plan for her than I could even fathom. She is His creation. He knew her before creation. He had her in mind when He created the earth.
God is already using you! You are already making a difference for eternity. You are fulfilling your purpose as a mom by being a mom and taking care of one of God’s most prized creations!
Practical Ways to Love Your Children:
- Everybody Helps: Are your kids involved with chores around the house? Our house motto is, "Everybody Helps." You will be surprised at how even the smallest amount of help from your little ones can contribute to your daily duties. My little girls started making their beds and clearing their plates at age 3. It wasn't perfect but it gave them confidence in knowing that they could do it by themselves and it was one less thing I had to do that day. Both my girls help empty the dishwasher. My 4 year old puts away the utensils and plastic ware while my 7 year old does the rest. She stacks the dishes on the counter that she can’t reach and I put them away. Make your life easier and instill responsibility in your kids- everybody benefits!
- Kid’s Corner: Designate a drawer or cupboard that is for your kids. Make sure they can access it and that it’s filled with kid-friendly items (i.e. plastic cups, bowls, plates). This enables the kids to get things for themselves, help with meal preparation and clean-up!
- Planning Ahead: Do your kids take their lunch to school? Make them the night before during the dinner mess. There’s a lot you can do while you’re waiting for the water to boil or for a meal to cook! I already have a mess in the kitchen so I might as well make lunches real quick. It saves your nerves in the early morning rush to just grab your lunch out of the fridge! Preparing backpacks and picking out clothes the night before helps to avoid the craziness of getting out the door in the morning as well.
Saying I Love You: How often do you tell your kids that you love them? I grew up with my mom telling me she loved me every day! She didn’t want me to ever doubt that she loved me. I do the same thing with my kids. Knowing that I was loved unconditionally by my family has allowed me to be successful in life. I have a strong foundation at the very core of my being knowing that I have the support and love of my family. You can do this for your kids too. Give them the love and support they need to grow up with a healthy knowledge of your love.
- Taking a break: Sometimes this is the most loving thing you can do! As a mom you are going around the clock 24/7. Try and catch some times of rest in your day. While your child is eating, sit down beside them. Don’t try and rush it! Even five minutes can help you calm down. Bath time is a perfect place to catch a breather. Kids love to play in the tub. Let them play for an extra 5-10 minutes and you take a load off! Sit on the floor next to them and enjoy the kids: think, pray, dream, or be silent. These 5-minute breathers throughout the day can help you make it through the day!
©2009 All Rights Reserved Trina Loucks
www.myheartsdesireministries.com
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