I hate to admit that I sometimes see my kids as an inconvenience. It’s not that my desire is to see them that way; it’s the exact opposite. It’s not even that I’m intentionally thinking that way. As moms, I don’t think we’d ever admit that, but I know that it comes out in how I respond to them.
I quickly push off their requests to play. I give them the famous, “One second, honey, I’m just finishing what I’m doing” and then never get around to actually playing with them, and if I do then I’m distracted with what I “need” to get done instead. They say, “Look, mom! Watch me!” I tell them how many things I have on my to-do list which translates to them, “Mommy is too busy and my list is more important than you right now.”
I think we often treat our relationships with the Lord the same. When it’s convenient for me, I’ll meet with you, Lord. If I’ve gotten enough sleep to wake up before the kids, if the kids give me a moment of peace and quiet, if my life is going well, or if I’m in desperate need of help or guidance, then I will try to make you more of a priority. Once my to-do list is complete for the day, maybe I’ll sneak in 5 minutes of Bible reading or a quick devotion. If it’s convenient.
Our to-do list isn’t going to matter in eternity, mamas, but our relationships with the Lord and our relationships with our kids as we make intentional time for them and point them to Jesus in the everyday moments do matter. I pray that the Lord would give us an eternal perspective. May He gently remind us that the moments with our kids are limited and the time to instill truth and love in them is limited. May our hearts desire be for God above all else and Lord, help us to see our kids as you see them. Valued, so dearly loved, children of God and not as an inconvenience.
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