Titus 2:11-13

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus."

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Becoming a Better Mommy

I've been realizing lately that I need to rethink--and revamp--some of my Mommy behaviors. There have been a few things that have triggered these realizations: our recent sermon series on the home, the birth of my twin daughters which quickly propelled me from Mommy of Two to Mommy of Four, the recognition of some of my own sinfulness in my children, the realization that my kids are growing up no matter how much I do or don't invest in them. These things (and probably others) have made me realize that some "Me" changes are in order.

Pastor Todd's spring teaching series on the home was taken from Psalm 128, and it was his teaching about the "vine" in verse 3 ("Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house...") that still sticks in my mind: as a vine runs along the ground and reaches into many areas, so is a woman's influence within her home. This left me pondering, How far-reaching is my vine? Am I covering all the ground that I should be covering? Or are there some corners in my home that I'm failing to reach?

When Isabel and Elliana were born in May, I suddenly became a Mommy of four. It was like adding two more children to our quiver suddenly upped the ante. I kept thinking (and still am), What a high calling.... The Lord has entrusted me with four lives. I better get this right....

As Abel and Amariah continue to get older--and as the sin nature continually becomes apparent in them--I have at times witnessed behavior sin that makes me feel as though I'm looking in a mirror... and it's not a pretty sight. Pride, selfishness, disrespect.... What kind of example am I setting for my children?

The latest thing I've realized is the excessive number of times in a day I say "No" to Abel and Amariah's requests. "No, not right now." "No, I'm busy." "No, we're not going to do that." It's not that "No" is always an unacceptable answer, but I'm realizing that often times my reason for saying "No" is based only in my own selfishness or laziness. Is it right for me to say "No" to playdough just because I don't want another mess to clean up? Is it right for me to say "No" to drawing with markers just because I don't want to take the time to oversee it? About a week ago, Abel got out the glue stick that Travis bought him a couple months ago (still un-used due to Mommy's many "No"s) and asked if we could do a craft. When I said, "No, we're not going to use glue right now," Abel started crying and said, "But Mommy, Daddy bought this for me to use." Well, you've got a point there, I thought. And then I realized, My selfish "No"s are hurting my children. I have to start investing more of myself in them. (Needless to say, we did our first craft project--with glue--that night.)

When I consider the importance and impact of my influence within my home and the degree to which God has entrusted me with His children--and when I see my own failures and shortcomings--I can't help but desire to be a better Mommy. I am becoming more conscious of my own attitudes and behaviors. I am becoming more purposeful about spending time with my children. I am becoming more careful to have good reasons to say "No." And I am nourishing myself in the Word so that I in turn might nourish my family and my home. I definitely don't "have it all together" (and probably never will!), but I pray that God will help me to become the wife and Mommy He desires for me to be.

8 comments:

Stephanie said...

Thank you so much for these words...it's something I've been convicted of lately too, but have kind of ignored it and blamed it on pregnancy. I was reading Kelly's Korner yesterday and she mentioned that her ministry right now is her daughter...and the same is true for me. My ministry is being a mom...and what a huge responsibility that it. I so appreciate your friendship, Angela, and your encouragement as I walk this journey of motherhood.

anna said...

thanks angie for this post. it is a great reminder/conviction about how i treat the boys.
your family is adorable! i love your picture at the top!

Gina Castro said...

Wow, Angela! When I read this, I felt like it was something I would have written myself! Thank you so very much for writing about this. It really inspired me to be more conscious of myself as well and the way I present myself to my children. Hope you have a great day! :)

Jessica Pennings said...

Great post Angela, I'm standing right there with you sister! I have also been convicted about the same things, and I am seeing Isaac saying things and doing things that do not please me and at the same time wondering why he is acting that way. Your post is a great reminder that I am looking through a mirror when I see him doing those things. I would love to hear (maybe in some future posts of yours) what practical things you are doing to turn this around. I am praying and praying and going to the Word but every day seems like I am climbing a higher mountain. Thanks again for the encouraging post, I needed that today!

Stephanie said...

Wow!! What powerful thoughts. It's hard being a mom, but I remember being a child and thinking that was hard, too. The good thing, is that there's amazing parents, like yourself, who can lead and be as good as they can for their families, themselves, and others. :D Great post. :D

Nutmeg said...

Oh My! I've had your blog up on my computer for DAYS trying to find the time read this particular post. In the mean time I wrote a post that will be up in the morning that says many of the things you've said here! I just want to add a hearty AMEN!
~Amy

Alicia said...

Awesome post! Thank you for wise words.

I can't even imagine how busy you must be with four little ones, but I just wanted to let you know that I miss your posts!

God bless!!

busymomof10 said...

You are wise beyond your years and have such a sweet spirit! Your children are blessed to have you as a mom! Thank you for this humble, transparent, and precious post!

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