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November 12, 2013

Joyful Mom Monday - Looking Past Ourselves

Yes...I know...it's Tuesday, but I had something on my mind yesterday but never had a chance to write.  So...here goes.

Motherhood is quite the journey - full of ups and downs, highs and lows, moments that go by too quickly and moments that you feel you will never be out of!  As moms, we need to make sure we take time to refresh ourselves and fill ourselves up so that we can continue to pour into our family.

However, something that I am noticing in our American culture is that we have become comfortable with saying no.  We have told ourselves the lie that Satan has thoroughly convinced us of and is now using to literally tear the church and the family down - if I have too much on my plate, I can say no with no guilt.  Don't leave me yet, folks!  The question I have been posing to myself is, "What should I say no to?"  "What will count for eternity and what is really unimportant when compared to eternal value?"  

I am suggesting that the average Christian American has begun to feel comfortable saying no to the spiritual priorities of the church and even the family in order that they might have "quality time with family" or that ever sacred "me time."  In the name of a good thing, we are, in reality, neglecting the most needful things.  What we are really saying is, "I won't enjoy doing this as much as I would enjoy this, so I am going to say no," or "That will take more effort than this, so I need to say no."  

Please understand, there are times when we need to say no...even to church activities, but the real heart of the matter is, "Am I spending more time entertaining myself than growing myself?"  If so, we may need to check in and see where our focus is.  Are we really focused on others and the spreading of the gospel, or are we focused on ourselves and what is comfortable and convenient for us? 

Believe me when I say that this is something I need to address in my own life - daily.  It is a constant battle of priorities, and I have by no means arrived, but I am learning...I am realizing that the more I am willing to step out of my comfort zone and the more I am willing to sacrifice, the more meaning my life has, the less shallow my thinking becomes, and the more growth and joy I will experience.  

So, moms, or any Christian out there, how are we doing at looking past ourselves, stepping out of the comfort zone and making true sacrifices that will count for eternity?  It isn't easy, but the rewards are so much greater, and if we want our children to live this kind of sacrificial life, we need to step up and show them how.  What will you say no to this week - something of eternal importance or something of pleasure?  God gives us earthly pleasures to enjoy, yes, but how much more joy would we receive if we asked Him for eternal pleasures and rewards?

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. ~Romans 12:1


Wishing you a day full of blessings,
Christy


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