I am SO excited to be participating in the Ministry of Motherhood Book Club along with Jolanthe from No Ordinary Moments and so many of you out there!
If you’ve missed out on the discussions for this week make sure to hop over and visit Jolanthe’s Blog Frog discussions!
- S.O.A.P Week 3
- Book Discussion for Week 3
My thoughts for this week:
One of the areas that stuck out most to me was just how little grace I’m actually allowing myself to give to my children. I tend to think that if I’m not on my kids every little action that somehow they’ll take the latitude and run wild with it. Probably because I’ve seen this happen. But then I’m reminded that Jesus was “patient, encouraging, loving, and forgiving” with his disciples. He didn’t yell and criticize, so why am I taking that route?
The goal isn’t to force my kids to comply, but to actually reach their hearts. To create an ongoing intimate relationship with them. One thing that Sally pointed out that really got me…my willingness to spend time with them.
I’m always planning, and doing, and going, and on and on. How often do I ignore the pleas from my children to “come look at something”, to give some snuggles, to read for fun, or just spend time. Jesus gave the gift of himself, as a mother I am called to do the same.
“Each of us is designed by God to whisper His words to the hearts of our children so they will feel the call of God in their own lives to become “fishers of men”.”
Ugh…I’m so not good at this right now. My new plan is to slow down, take time to just hang out with my children. To listen to them, to literally show them His love through my actions.
Thankfully right after this conviction, Sally pointed out that it’s not all up to me! Praise God!
“The Author of grace will Himself draw my children to Him…as I rest in His ability to work through the life of my family. Perfection is not a standard He requires of me as a mother, for His grace extends to me as well as to my children.”
What matters most to my children is my time. I simply need to be present with them. Be willing to serve them, and as Sally so eloquently states “to voluntarily give up my rights and my time to meet their felt needs – just as Jesus was willing to give for His disciples.”
Sally ended off the reading reminding us that instead of harshly demanding obedience from our children using orders and threats, we can choose to tie the chords of their hearts with ours through a loving and serving relationship. We will see our influence increase as we disciple them through an ongoing relationship based on love. This gives a whole new definition of grace to me!
Lord, I pray that You will help me slow down and take time to just be with my children. To remember to cultivate a close loving relationship with them that will point their little hearts to You. Give me the strength and grace to listen to their hearts, to comfort them when hurt, and to make myself available to their needs. Help remind me that they want my attention, and that I am called to give myself to them just as You give yourself to us. Thank You for always making time for me! Amen.
If you haven’t gotten your copy yet, make sure to click here:
Amen and amen! 🙂 totally with you!
Thanks for sharing your insight on these first chapters! So relieved to hear so many moms struggling in the same way as I am.
I just started following your blog but where are Minisistry Of Motherhood Weeks 1-2?
Just wanted to say that God led me to your blog this morning, as I sat with my laptop searching for “something” interesting and encouraging. I’ve ended up on your blog before looking at Lego stuff. It is neat how a seed you planted 3 years ago when you wrote this, has yielded a harvest or a benefit to me 3 years later. God works in awesome ways. Thank you for sharing your homeschool journey with the world.