Honoring God with your time.

Becoming a mom is basically becoming a professional juggler without the goofy costume. Our uniform is typically comfy pants & shirt with a mom bun. But society has a different view of what a mom should look like. She is well groomed and perfectly organized, the kids behave, the house is tidy, she maintains a job, the kids are enrolled in several activities, etc. Society likes to put busyness on a pedestal. The busier you are, the more you’re doing a great job. But being “just a mom” isn’t worthy of bragging rights.

But is our purpose to gain approval from society, or are we here to serve our great God and give Him glory? Galatians 1:10 (NIV) says: “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” One way to keep this in check is to check your priorities and reflect on, Whom am I trying g to please here… Myself, Society, or God?

Life with kids can be unpredictable, and as Mom, so you create a routine that works for your family. In a rush to keep up with what “society” says a mom and family should do, you are missing out on the precious moments with the people that matter most, God, your husband, and your children. It is easy to miss the importance of slowing down and balancing your time. During creation, God ended His days the same; it says, “And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31. At the end of your day, are filled with contentment and gratitude?

We live in a fast-paced world that is only becoming faster. There is always something to do, and we often find ourselves saying,” There is no time.” If we again use God’s example in Genesis, as He created the whole world, He showed us the importance of not rushing, enjoying each moment, and resting. It says in Genesis 2:2, “On the 7th day God had finished his work of creation, SO HE RESTED.”

We tend to forget HOW to rest in motherhood, so I googled it! According to Merriam-Webster, REST has multiple meanings. But the ones that stood out to me are “to be free from anxiety or disturbance” and “to remain confident: TRUST.” Are you trusting God with the time he has given you?

Your days will never be perfect, and there will always be something you’re “missing out on,” but don’t let Satan throw Mom Guilt at you. One of the verses I cling to when “mom guilt” starts to creep in is from Galatians 6:9. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Your role as Mom is so much more than just that. I’m sure you would say it is the greatest blessing in your life. But would you consider yourself a missionary? Our first missionary assignment is the children God has blessed us with. When we feel like there is some action to take to serve within the church, the community, etc., but then allow guilt to wash over us because we are unable due to our current circumstances… take a second to look around you and know that the first area of service you are to serve in is your home. Everything we do has the potential to honor God and display the gospel to our children. In the meals you prepare, the folded laundry, the thousands of diapers you change, or the books you read at night, these tasks can share the tender love of Christ in our home. These tasks are often looked upon as a chore, but I challenge you to change your perspective. Instead of looking at them as something to be done, look at these things as opportunities to tend to the fertile soil of your family’s heart and plant seeds. This is the harvest you will reap.

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17.

Motherhood has the ultimate aim of glorifying and honoring Christ. We just need to continually shift our gaze upon God and away from the world. We have many different seasons within our motherhood, but there is one thing that remains constant, and that is God. You can always rely on Him and His word for guidance, comfort, love, grace, peace, and much more. The time God has given you is a gift unlike any other; it can multiply the love and happiness in us when we love and serve our family for the glory of God.

When thinking about your week and schedule, do overwhelm, anxiety, and frustration come over you? If you are feeling heavy with negative emotions at the beginning or end of your week, know that this is not what God has intended for you. It says that you are to be filled with the fruit of the spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. Galatians 5:22-23

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for all of the beautiful women before me. thank you for the gift of time. Thank you for the blessings of motherhood. Thank you for your living word and Holy Spirit to guide us through all the unknowns we will face. You are a great God who can handle all our burdens and replace them with your perfect peace. For the moms who may feel heavy, I ask that you embrace them and overflow their hearts with your love and grace. For the moms who need help, I pray you send the perfect person to assist them. I pray that as we leave here today, you guide these women to find the balance in honoring you with their time. All glory and honor to you, God. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

I can email a tip sheet to help you create a schedule that will honor God and your family. Thank you.

- Ashley

Discussion/ Reflection Questions ( answer below or privately in a journal)

Does your routine/ schedule honor God?

Do you often feel overwhelmed in your daily/ weekly routine?

How can you incorporate God into your daily life?

At the end of your day, are filled with contentment and gratitude?

Do you trust God with the time He has given you?