This is from the book Meditations for Moms. This book was given to me as a baby shower gift and I'm really enjoying these insiteful devotions!
"Her children arise and call her blessed." Proverbs 31:28
" Having kids is the best excuse I know to play like a child and do something completely worthwhile At the same time! Being a mother has its perks. How else could I justify countless hours playing in our kids' sand box, making forts out of cardboard boxes, shaping clay, leading hiking expeditions, building snowmen, flying kites, making mud pies, climbing trees, and building with blocks? I haven't had so much fun since I was a kid!
At the end of a day when my work involves being at home with the kids, my husband asks, "What did you do all day?" I've been known to sheeplishy reply, "We built an enormous zoo out of blocks, complete with a train, animal hospital, and water feature. We baked cookies for out tea party under the spruce tree and took naps in our cardboard castle in the basement. We read books on the top bunk and made pancakes shaped like teady bears, and we ran through the sprinkler, which is why the floor is all wet. And dinner isn't quite ready; we have been really busy!"
At moments like these, I feel a twinge of guilt knowing that my husband was in meetings, taking phone calls, and handeling hundreds of details of his job all day long. I, on the other hand have been goofing off with the kids. He is so kind to remind me that its not just goofing oFf. Spending time actually playing with our kids is investing not only in them, but in the future generations. Even doing tasks along side a child is a wonderful way to be engaged with them while teaching them important life skills. This sometimes requires the patience of a saint, but in the long run, it pays off.
I love to bake. Generally I love to bake by myself, because I can be orderly, efficient, and I don't lose track of measurements. But I have baked in chaos alongside my children since they were 18 months old, when I brought the ingredients and mixer down to their child-size table. Even little hands can tozz carrots in olive oil, knead dough, break eggs, and with help, scoop and measure flour, sugar and salt. My boys distictively scooped all dry ingredients front end loader style, complete with boy noises. Now, as young men, they are proficient bakers and cooks.
While passing along skills to our kids is valuable, we can't understimate how much this nurtures out bond with our children. Obviously we can't play with them all the time, but when we take the time to enjoy their activities and invite them to be a part of ours, we know each other so much better.
On the other hand, I have observed many mothers who obstinetly "spend time" with her little ones by going on a stroller walk or to the pool, only to chat on her cell phone non-tops. I have watched kids grab their mother's face and pull it towards them while she continues her conversation into her all important phone. She's there in body, but that's it. I fear the day will come when that child has mastered her behavior, and the mom won't have to worry about the child wanting her attention anymore. Texting and chatting will be the center of their relating.
So moms, lets connect with the kiddos and have alittle fun!Blow up a beach ball, blos some bubbles. Your kids will giggle to see their mom having such a great time jumping in leaves or crossing a stream on a log. They arent impressed by our sophistication, but by out playfulness. Any kid prefers mom in her Saturday play clothes to her dressed up look!My kids say I look best in my jeans and polo shirt with my hair in a ponytail. The truth is, I look best in their eyes because it means I'm home with them! I know its a luxery to even have time to hang with the kids. And while its less restful than a lunch date or even going to my job, it's energy well-spent and well enjoyed, with positive eternal consequences.
Someday your children will stand and bless you in return for the fun-loving attention that you lavished on them when they so desprately needed it."
I'm SO thankful to God for providing our needs while I stay home with our sweet boy! And SO thankful for a husband who sees the value in my being home with Isaiah to play with and teach him and who works so hard to make that happen! I'm also SO thankful to have had a mom who did all of these things with us kids and who set a great example of investing in us. I pray that I never waste precious time that could be spent investing in however many children the Lord blesses us with! May I be a mother who honors the Lord with these treasures.
