Working Mom Part 1 (a 2 part-er? NO WAY!)

Just last week I had the SO FUN (and kind of random) opportunity of talking with four sweet mommy friends at different times and places (and texts) and all of us pretty much said same thing; we're trying really hard to get to the heart of parenting and simplify our lives so we can give a clear representation of Jesus to our children. While that sentence makes it sound basic and pretty and tied up in a sweet little bow the reality of that desire is rather laborious, time consuming, humbling, and a lot of times exhausting. But instead of leaving those conversations burdened or disappointed I left spurred on and excited! We have been given this gift, this blessing - not the worldly view of blessing as luck, but a God spoken blessing. It is an honor to have this job. And in the squabble breaking, whine banning, and another drink of water giving we get to show Jesus's heart, character, love, grace and yes, discipline to these precious gifts.

When my kid spills his cup of milk again, I can respond with, "It's an honor to show you where the towels are and teach you how to clean up this milk." (I, personally, would have to watch the sarcasim in that one...)  

As I'm praying for whoever person's clothes I'm folding at the moment, I can invite them to pray with me as I fold and not send them away so I can have some quiet.

The whole concept of serving my children as if I am serving Jesus sounds impossible, really. I highly doubt Jesus would throw a fit because he didn't get to pick the afternoon movie. But yet,

The Bible says...

Matthew 25:40

 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Matthew 10:42

"And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

(*In this context Jesus is referring to the disciples as he is sending them out to preach the gosple, but I like that he calls them little ones. :) I pray my children are growing up to be disciples of God and think of this verse often as I serve them water again, and again, and again...)

Galatians 6:9 (my memory verse last week! Let's see if I can write it out...)
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (oy, I had to look once! I thought it was "time" not "season", pretty close though!)

And that's about where each of our conversations ended. An encouragement to not give up or give in or get lazy!  DO work hard at being a mom! We each see our flaws - call sin 'sin' as one gal said - confess it and scour the Word of God for sustenance and counsel. We don't just say, "aw well, God knows their hearts" but we live knowing we will be held accountable for our representation of Jesus, whether our children turn to Him for salvation or not. What a ginormous privilege it is to live so intimately with these little people for the formative years of their lives!! 

~

But alas... 

there is always the questions of HOW? 

 It's one thing to recognize this honor 

and it's a whole other thing to actually live out that honor

 in my daily, LOUD, busy life,

 am I right?

Hence the need for a part 2.

~