~Lessons From Littles~

~From The Homemaker's Hearth~

-By Danielle Osgood

Lessons From Littles

Our two sons are ages one and two. And yet, being so little they are constantly teaching me something. My Christian walk before the children was well, different. I was working outside the home then. I'd go to work, put up with rude customers and the like, then go home. There were times when others would really try my patience. Although I didn't always handle it with grace, at the end of the day I'd go home, get some sleep and be refreshed the next day for another round. That season had its trials for sure. It isn't easy to be immersed in an atmosphere of gossip and filthy language and not be swayed into it yourself. I faltered at times and our heavenly Father graciously and faithfully extended forgiveness. But I must say, the trials of motherhood are unique.

Being a mother means there is no “punch out” time. And that good night's rest I would get before going back to work to “battle” another day? HA! Lunch break means mother gets up half a dozen times during the meal to wipe up spilled milk, or wash the toddlers fork off for the third time. My quiet times with the Lord are now quite a challenge to carve out between the crying, changing, feeding, refereeing squabbles and the constant, repetitive toddler conversation (that only ceases long enough for them to sleep a little). I am not saying that a Christian's walk outside of motherhood is a piece of cake, for surely I know that it is a struggle. I am only saying that I think this is what it looks like for a lot of Christian mothers out there.

     A while back I was lamenting to my husband about how frustrated I was with myself. Day after day is usually quite similar, so why then, am I still so impatient? Why then, am I quick to lose sight of the important work that takes place beyond the dishes and laundry? I mentioned a few sweet, elderly ladies that I wish to emulate, such as my Grandmother for example. I have never heard these ladies swear, or say anything negative about anyone. They are patient and gentle. They are encouraging and kind. They seem to always have wise, biblical counsel at the ready when asked for advice. I want to be like them. Then Joe asked me “How do you think they got to be that way?” Me: “Uhhh...” Joe went on to explain that those sweet ladies I adore could have very likely been in my shoes once. Most of them had raised children too. While I think we all yearn for Christ's work in us to be fast and furious, the reality is most of us make relatively steady, yet slow progress. Much like a stone in a river. Only after years and years of being battered, slowly and steadily with the rippling current does it then become smooth. I tend to be the type that says “I want patience, and I want it now!”. Sigh.

     As hard as Christian motherhood is, it would be impossible without the power of the Holy Spirit. Seriously, if you never crack open your Bible during the week, or spend some much needed time in prayer and reflection every day, then my friend, you are in for a rough journey. What good is it to have a clean house, color coded menu plan and perfect landscaping if you are not growing in your relationship with Christ? I'll tell you: no good. I know it's hard to find some time for nurturing your soul when there are little ones underfoot. I'm right there in that season of life now. It seems that I resolve to get up earlier to spend more time in the Word and prayer, only to have them wake up before I can even put my feet on the floor. Then it's diaper changes, cups of water, snacks and before you know it the day gets a running start and I'm still sporting ''bed head'' at 11:00 am, my coffee (wherever it went) is cold and I realize I haven't had a minute to use the bathroom yet!

     Christ even made time with the Father important “And in the morning, rising up a great while before the day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place and there prayed.” (Mk 1:35 KJV) If you read the chapter from the beginning you will see that Jesus was staying at Peter's house after teaching in the synagogue in the city of Capernaum. That evening, at sundown (when the Sabbath was officially over) the whole city was at the door with their sick and demon possessed for Jesus to heal them. So you can imagine that Jesus was busy long into the night. And then to get up early the next day?! I think this shows us how important time with the Father really is. If Christ prioritized communion with the Father in such a way, then how much more we should! I know it is hard to snatch up time for Christ, but you must. I would hope that you desire to; you should. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Matt. 5:6 ESV) “But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.” (Deut. 4:29 ESV) I believe that God will faithfully bless sincere effort on our part to know Him more. Some days that may only be a few, uninterrupted minutes. Other days we may have an hour or more. If we are truly seeking Him, He will fill us.

     I am learning more and more to just focus on today. How to be in His will today. If it is to patiently pick up crayons for the fifth time, demonstrating grace to my sons, so be it. If it is to grow in selflessness by putting down the phone, or turning off the computer to listen to my oldest tell me something for the fourth time, then that is what I need to do. I feel like now as a mother, I have way more opportunities to grow each and every day. That also means I have way more opportunities to fail, too. Some days I slow down enough to see the moment I am given to grow in. Other days are more like ''Could have, should have, would have.” But I am determined to keep pressing on, by the grace of God. And I thank Him every day for my little couch jumping, crayon dumping teachers.