Yesterday I read “Distracted Mothers” at Joni’s blog ‘What Its All About’. She really struck a chord with me. Then this morning, I was reading from Helen Widger Middlebrooke’s devotional Lessons for a Supermom (pages 17-18) and I was again struck. God was really speaking to me, loud and clear.
I am so guilty of missing out on the little things for want of the big picture. I’m losing so much because my focus is on so many other things; getting schoolwork accomplished, chores done, paperwork and other less important distractions. All these things, while important in themselves, have become drudgery and blinded me to what I know will soon be gone; my children at home. Even though I spend everyday with my kids, I am missing them. I have come to realize that the evil one so wants to steal our most valuable thing; time. He wants us to fill it up with the mundane, keeping us from sharing God and ourselves with our families. He shows himself in the most ordinary places: overworked parents, extracurricular activities, favorite television programs, computer time, and other solitary activities. He doesn’t want us to appreciate the moments that we have with each other or to place importance on the simple things. He wants to bog us down with the world and suck us into his abyss of regrets. Having an older son who moved out on his own at 18, I am very aware of how quickly children grow. I am among those who wish yesterday had been different and that I had enjoyed the moments for what they were. So, just for today I plan to make sure that, with God’s guidance, I open my eyes to my children and see them completely, creating a photo album in my heart and enjoy every moment I have with them. Then, if tomorrow comes, I will have no regrets for today. If I do this everyday not only will my heart be full, but my life will be also.
James 4:14-17 (CEV) What do you know about tomorrow? How can you be so sure about your life? It is nothing more than mist that appears for only a little while before it disappears. You should say, “If the Lord lets us live, we will do these things.” Yet you are stupid enough to brag, and it is wrong to be so proud. If you don’t do what you know is right, you have sinned
The years with the children just fly by, don't they? Sometimes, it makes me want another baby, perhaps to relive the moments I worry I might have missed out on with these children. But my hubby is certain, we will NOT be doing that anytime soon! LOL.
I'm the same way, even though I'm with my kids all day homeschooling, I still worry if I'm doing enough WITH them. I think that is just a constant worry we'll have, but a good one to work on nonetheless.
Dianna
It's all too easy to get wrapped up in the unimportant!
Blessings,
Anne-Marie
And thanks again for your encouragement in mentioning my post. I loved your comment about creatong a photo album in your heart. And the James scripture is one of my favorites as well. I memorized it years ago. Thanks for the reminder. Great thoughts!
Warmly,
Joni
Edited by Joni on Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 7:39 AM