I am beginning to think that the very things in life that are the most important are usually the smallest things around us. Those little chores that need to be done every day such as, doing the dishes, washing clothes, making beds and even changing diapers. Without us as mothers doing all these little things our children, husbands, parents and anyone else who may be depending on you today, would have a life that is that much more difficult.
I have been guilty of focusing on the things in life that make me most comfortable. The things that make my life easier. But what if instead of looking out for my own interest, I look out for what my child needs best? What if, instead of looking out for my own comfort I seek to make those around me more comfortable. What if, instead of seeking to fill my own hunger I strive to satisfy the hunger of my children.
I am not saying we need to be a society where the children are given everything they want, and indulgence is the rule of the day. I am saying what if, rather than allowing myself to indulge my own desires, I seek to put my own wants aside and look for what those around me need the most. Maybe then I will be able to teach my children what service to others really looks like, as well as telling them what the scriptures say. If we merely tell our children how they should act, and we don't actually live it out then are we really teaching them the way we should?
I love how Paul words it in Philippians:
Philippians 2:1-8
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
I love this portion of scripture. These are good questions, Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Yes, there is great encouragement and great comfort. Because of that I have a responsibility to behave a certain way. I need to die to ME. I need to be thankful I can bless my children by folding their Laundry! Even if the Laundry Pile is a big one! God is our example. God gave up his divine privileges and became a slave.
I was talking with someone today and she made the comment, "Well I haven't been doing anything that exciting." It really made me think. My little bit of exciting news I was telling her was not the most important thing in my life right now. At least it shouldn't be. I need to make sure that my focus is on my husband and my children. God has blessed me beyond measure. My focus needs to be on creating a welcoming, and safe environment for them to be able be at ease. To do this I need to be focusing on the little things. Is my house a place that brings comfort to those who enter into it? Is my attitude one that welcomes those around me to come and feel at ease? Am I eager to help, and to go the extra mile, or am I complaining and griping because of the difficulty that it brings me?
I am planning a new series in the upcoming weeks. I want to look at ways we can be more welcoming, and more outward focused. I would love to hear what you think, and I would love ideas and suggestions.
I have been guilty of focusing on the things in life that make me most comfortable. The things that make my life easier. But what if instead of looking out for my own interest, I look out for what my child needs best? What if, instead of looking out for my own comfort I seek to make those around me more comfortable. What if, instead of seeking to fill my own hunger I strive to satisfy the hunger of my children.
I am not saying we need to be a society where the children are given everything they want, and indulgence is the rule of the day. I am saying what if, rather than allowing myself to indulge my own desires, I seek to put my own wants aside and look for what those around me need the most. Maybe then I will be able to teach my children what service to others really looks like, as well as telling them what the scriptures say. If we merely tell our children how they should act, and we don't actually live it out then are we really teaching them the way we should?
I love how Paul words it in Philippians:
Philippians 2:1-8
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
I love this portion of scripture. These are good questions, Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Yes, there is great encouragement and great comfort. Because of that I have a responsibility to behave a certain way. I need to die to ME. I need to be thankful I can bless my children by folding their Laundry! Even if the Laundry Pile is a big one! God is our example. God gave up his divine privileges and became a slave.
I was talking with someone today and she made the comment, "Well I haven't been doing anything that exciting." It really made me think. My little bit of exciting news I was telling her was not the most important thing in my life right now. At least it shouldn't be. I need to make sure that my focus is on my husband and my children. God has blessed me beyond measure. My focus needs to be on creating a welcoming, and safe environment for them to be able be at ease. To do this I need to be focusing on the little things. Is my house a place that brings comfort to those who enter into it? Is my attitude one that welcomes those around me to come and feel at ease? Am I eager to help, and to go the extra mile, or am I complaining and griping because of the difficulty that it brings me?
I am planning a new series in the upcoming weeks. I want to look at ways we can be more welcoming, and more outward focused. I would love to hear what you think, and I would love ideas and suggestions.