It’s no mistake that God gave women the amazing ability to multi-task. Moms are on the front lines bringing up their children. But as a busy Christian mom, how do I make every moment count for the Kingdom, since discipleship should be my first priority?
If I were reminded every day how my understanding of the purpose of children drastically changes the way I raise them, it wouldn’t be enough.
Multi-tasking mamas & all the layers
See, we live in layers, with all the layers, ideally, blending together.
I have to pick up stuff all day, wash dishes, prepare meals, sweep and mop, wipe off countertops, get children dressed, vacuum….and a bunch more. That’s the physical layer and it takes up a lot of time.
But another layer of responsibility is raising whole children, with purpose, for the glory of God. It includes a relational layer, a spiritual layer, an emotional layer, all intertwined with the physical.
Thus the grave importance of multi-tasking….being always aware, prepared and engaged in the full-orbed duty of motherhood.
How to mother with stamina
This kind of multi-tasking comes with a great price. It can only be tackled with the stamina of believing our children are not OURS, but have been given to us by the Lord, and that we will give an account of our stewardship over them.
It means being there to steer, direct, remind and shape their attitudes, responses and behavior to become more like Christ’s. It means becoming more like Him ourselves, perhaps the greatest price.
The common days are important
And it’s important to know that this shaping of lives only happens in the context of the physical layer. People become who they are, not at a yearly conference or at designated moments of spiritual focus, but in the common days, conforming to the influence most surrounding them. It is what happens in the ebb and flow of daily living that matters.
You shape people
Mothers, when you are going about your physical work, you are also shaping people. Don’t forget it. Are you tuned enough to stop what you’re doing and explain the “how’s” and “why’s” of dealing with conflict?
Do you know that just as important as getting dinner on the table is taking time to encourage a child who is struggling, to show him his worth by looking to see what His Creator says about him?
Can you remember that your tantrum-throwing 3-year-old doesn’t need you to teach her that she is driving you crazy, but that her life will be riddled with trouble unless she learns to govern her spirit?
Multi-task like a warrior-Mom, raising soldiers for the Kingdom.
This is absolutely true, but so hard for me to remember sometimes. I get caught up in the physical layer just trying to keep a household of eight kids and a husband running with some kind of order-which I struggle with greatly at times, not being a naturally organized person. I find that making sure I make time in my morning to spend even a few minutes with God really helps get me through the day. Then there are those desperate days where I’m hiding in the laundry room, leaning over the dryer, begging Him for patience and strength as I deal with babies, rampaging toddlers, moody teenager, ADHD kiddos, and everything else. And He always helps me.
You are NOT alone! I think we all struggle to remember and it’s a daily challenge as we grow, ever so slowly, more like Christ. I’m reading a book right now that has really helped me with my sense of overwhelm. It’s called Simplified Organization by Mystie Winckler.
I’ve wanted to read that one!
Amen to your post. Such biblical reminders that our daily little things are important! Thank you
You’re welcome Sarah!