I am currently in the busiest season of my life. I'm very grateful for my family but lately I have found myself complaining more and more over little things. (Maybe from sleep deprivation but that is still no excuse.) I love to read God's word and sometimes a verse just stands out from the rest and is just what I need for that particular time in my life. My new favorite verse for this busy season is:
Philippians 2:13-15 (NIV) "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe."
I taped this verse on my refrigerator so I can be reminded of it throughout the day. I have also used it with my children when they complain about doing a chore or when they argue with each other. It is just perfect for every family!
As a homeschooling mother of five children, I sometimes find myself overwhelmed with parenthood. There is no doubt that parenting and teaching is a challenge because we all want to do the best for our children. By fulfilling our divinely appointed jobs as parents, we can be God's tools that define and refine our children as they are sculpted into the individuals that He wants them to be. Often we put so much energy into our children's needs, we fail to do the things that keep us energized.
You may be familiar with the drill about what to do in an emergency when you get on an airplane. The flight attendant tells you that an oxygen mask will drop from the ceiling if needed. She will remind you that if you are traveling with small children, you will need to put on your own mask first before you help your child.
As you go through your busy life, ask yourself if you are putting on your oxygen mask first. We cannot give our children something we don't have ourselves. I encourage you to make a commitment to having a quiet time with God every day. This may involve some sacrifices, such as waking up ten minutes earlier, turning off the morning news for a few minutes, or finding time alone, but I can promise that the results will be worth it.
Many people ask what they should do in their quiet time. Find a time early in your day when there are no distractions, which includes children, television, radio, or anything else that may take your focus off what you are doing. Pray for concerns on your heart and thank God for your blessings. Read God's Word and look for meaning in the scriptures and how to apply them to your life. You and your children will be blessed when you seek the Lord daily.
