I have four children- 6, 5, 3, and 16 mos. Oh yeah, there's a new one coming in December, too! I often get comments about my children- how many we have, how close they are together, the fact that we homeschool. The comment I hear most often is "how do you do it?" Usually followed by "I wouldn't have the patience." Well, quite honestly, I don't have the patience, either! What I do have is a loving Lord who grants the strength I need each and every day- usually each and every moment! I have my days of yelling at the kids and not discipling them with the proper mind-frame. I also have the grace that comes from the Lord to know that I can ask Him and my kids for forgiveness and we can all move on. I know that I am not the one who determines how my kids turn out. It is in the Lord's hands. I have to do my part, but how they turn out is not in my control.
So, how do I do it? Time with the Lord. Time with Him at His feet listening to his heartbeat. He loves me. He loves my kids. When I listen to the Lord's heartbeat, I know exactly where my focus should be each day- teaching my kids about our awesome God, and training them in Godly character, molding their hearts to love the Lord. The dishes, the worksheets, the laundry, all are put in their proper perspective when I'm listening to the Lord's heartbeat for my family.
When I'm not listening to the Lord's heart, everyone around me can tell. I'm frantic, racing from one project to another, not paying attention to my kids's spiritual growth. I'm focused on a clean house, gourmet meals, and how many worksheets we've done. All of these things need to be done, but within the framework of loving and training my children.
I'm not perfect. I spend way to much time on the latter than the former. It's hard to find time with the Lord when there are all these kids always around me. But quite honestly, it doesn't need to take that much time. Some worship music while making breakfast, a read through a psalm or two during a school break, some prayer time while folding laundry. I've even found that the children's Bibles are a great resource for speaking to me, while reading to them!
So, here's my question to you. Whether you have one child or twenty, it's draining to be responsible for them 24/7. How do you do it? What gives you strength and encouragement in your day? How do you carry on? I can't wait to hear from you!
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I only have 1 child and I have 1 coming in december. I also have 2 toddlers that come everyday for me to take care of and for Ben to play with. I try to think about how what I am doing now will effect his future.I think about how if I sow sparingly I will reap sparingly. So as I try to sow generously it is draining, and I often find myself desperate before God to help me. I have never felt my need of God more than I do as a mommy.
ReplyDeleteAngie Daniel
It IS draining! I get worried about having 2 under 2 this summer (due June 1), but I know God doesn't give us more than what we can handle. I find that I need to completely immerse myself in HIM to stay in the right mindframe. I have Christian talk radio or worship CDs in the car. I continually "write" blog posts in my head rolling truths around throughout the day. I confess I have a very hard time getting in the word. I get the 411God emails daily and just started taking a bible study class - Shepherding a Child's Heart. I'm not good at immersing myself daily. Thankfully, His mercies are new every day.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your pregnancy!
ReplyDeleteI wonder how you, or any moms of many kids, do it. But you know, I think it is just beautiful.
I am the youngest of 8 kids, and my mother's faith was always obvious.
It reminds me of what you wrote here.
And you are right. There are days that, even with only 2 kids right now, I feel I'm flipping out. But I pray to God for strength, patience, and for Him to make me a better wife and mother, and I feel hopeful.
I am new to your blog (found you through MPM), but I am so glad to have found it!