Heavenly Mothering. It has been my purpose in these 31 posts to throw out some ideas about what it means, and maybe a lot of these posts imply more work to you as the mother of all these heavenly blessings.
Watching out for our kids, praying for our kids, letting them do art projects, all of these things require us to put down our phones or shut off our own shows so that we can be interested and engaged in what our children are doing.
So, what is in it for us? Why should we give up so much of our lives to raise these people? Psalm 127:3 says that "Children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."
So I guess the first reason why we should be intentional about parenting is because our children are our treasures. They are our inheritance. They are a gift. There are many people who want children and either can't have them or who suffer through other difficult processes to have children.
This is important to remember the next time you are weary. Your children, although at times messy and even annoying, are a gift.
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth" 3 John 1:4
The second reason to be intentional about parenting your children is that they are the first disciples of your marriage. You and your husband as one flesh, are given a mandate from God about raising up disciples, things like "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all men." (Mark 16:15)
Who better to begin with than our own children? If we as parents are enthusiastic about God and about our children, our children will catch on to the same enthusiasm. They will believe that Jesus Christ is a friend worth having, and they will believe that they are people worth knowing.
The last reason to be intentional is because it is fun! I know that changing poopy diapers and cleaning up throw up is not that fun, but how about painting with your kids, or experiencing a baby's joy when encountering the beach for the first time. How about having teenagers who you really enjoy talking to? Or young adults who are your best friends?
The effort that you put into mothering your children will pay off. There may be bumps in the road, and we have no guaranteed outcome, However, when you show your children that they are important to you, and you take the time to understand and enjoy them, there will be rewards. If not in closer relationships and more fun as a family, then in heaven where we are storing up spiritual treasure.
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I have 3 children. My oldest is now age 21 and when he was small I home schooled for a couple years and really enjoyed it. I now teach at the school my youngest children attend. It is a wonderful way to connect and grow with your children! Congratulations on 31 days!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you can be so involved in the lives of your children! Congratulations on 31 Days to you as well!
DeleteOur children are definitely a gift! Congrats on completing this challenge!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa, congratulations to you as well!
DeleteAll of that is so true. I have to continually remind myself to get off the phone and get off my butt and engage. Mine are at an age where they can use the bathroom without help, get snacks without help, entertain themselves, which is nice, but it makes it so much easier for me to check-out.
ReplyDeleteMe too Sarah, but when I put down the phone, I notice that my kids have a lot to say to me. I think that as they get older, our talking time with them is a big key to having an influence on them. Congratulations on completing 31 Days!
DeleteI am glad we met too, here and on instagram! I agree, God had been speaking the same thing to us through this journey. I can't wait to see what He does next. Congrats on completing the 31 days! Give yourself a special celebration ;)
ReplyDeleteNatalie, I am glad we can stay in touch through IG. Keep posting your awesome frugal outfits and congratulations on 31 days!
DeleteCongratulations on finishing strong and completing the 31days challenge! I am a new Empty Nester and oh my goodness, I can tell you - intentional parenting pays off! It's not always easy by any means, but it is - THEY are - always worth it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Karrilee, congratulations to you as well. Thanks also for the affirmation about children being worth pouring into. I know there are exceptions but many of the families I know who have really enjoyed their children have raised really enjoyable children. I am glad it worked that way for your family.
Delete"The second reason to be intentional about parenting your children is that they are the first disciples of your marriage."
ReplyDeleteWhoa. Is that powerful. Thanks for another great lens for looking at the importance of engaged and present parenting.
Thanks so much for the affirmation Liz, your feedback is really appreciated!
DeleteI missed a lot of my daughter's life when she was young because I was a single mom working crazy hours. This year I was able to cut back to part time, and we started homeschooling. I love that I am able to prioritize my life correctly now!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I am so happy for you that you were able to find more time with your daughter. I pray The Lord gives you great grace to make up for lost time. Thanks for being such a great cheerleader to all the 31 Dayers by welcoming everyone's posts. Such generosity!
DeleteGreat reminder that our children are a gift even as they may not act like it! Congrats on finishing the challenge. Blessings to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lauren, it is true that our children don't always like a gift, but I think that the more we treat them with kindness and respect, the more they will act like they are respectable. Blessings to you as well!
ReplyDelete