Feel Like Stretch Momstrong?

This is one of those "tell it like it is" retreats. We all know we are supposed to put God first if we are Christian moms. In our hearts we know it to be the right thing to do. In our hearts. But what about our thoughts, our hands, our speech? That's where it may get tricky, and this "Put God first" philosophy may easily get forgotten, not intentionally, but forgotten none-the-less. We moms are so mindful about everyone else's wants and needs that we often forget what is most important. It's not the iPod for the 12-year-old. It's not the $150 tennis shoes your child MUST have. It's not many, many things.

The best gift you, as a parent, can foster in your child is their relationship with God. If I knew then what I know now... But hindsight is always 20/20, isn't it?

Moms are stretched to the limit these days. There should be a Stretch Momstrong doll. That's how many children treat their moms, grabbing on tight and never letting go - eeking out as much as the child possibly can before the mom realizes she can give no more. And it's usually "things" the mom is giving - tangible things. When a mom gives of her time and energy that is much more well-received than a stack of gifts under the Christmas tree.

I'm sure we all know families whose stacks may be small but the love in their family is large. This is a family with their collective head stuck on just right. This is the family who goes to church together, who volunteers at the soup kitchen, who thinks of the other. You can be this family. It just takes effort reaching toward something that you cannot see. Next time you or your children see a thing you want, ask yourself, "Why? Will this further my/my child's relationship with God?" It's a start. Then you are consciously thinking of God in your day-to-day plan. He is not being forgotten. He is thought about and talked about aloud. You are showing your children that God is important to you.

~ Maureen :)
9/07/09 The Way, Truth and Life