December 20, 2006 9:03 AM
Being a mom is the most important job in the world
"Money is the root of all evil."
That's actually a misquote, you know. What the Bible actually says is "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Timothy 5:6)
What I've found ironic as a believer is the tendency of some Christians to associate wealth with God's blessing. It's actually a heavy responsibility and I see few wealthy Christians who maintain enough discipline to keep from overindulging themselves or making poor choices.
When building wealth becomes more important than building your children's character, it's time to take a step back and reevaluate priorities. Women who work outside the home really need to reflect on the cost to their family. There is nothing as important as a mother's input into her children's lives.
The myth of Quality Time is that it's not something that can be scheduled, but something that occurs spontaneously simply because of Quantity Time. It's not about going out to dinner or spending money or buying gifts for your kids. It's about quiet moments when your child opens up her heart to you and you can see the hand of God working in her life. These are moments that can't be planned. They depend on your being as available as possible to your children.
Just thinking of these things this morning and feeling so glad that I am a stay-at-home mom. Yes, I write, but that is always last priority and my writing plans are subject to being usurped by a doctor's appointment, a call from a school to bring in a change of clothes - anything my husband or children need.
I've written before - and I hope you all remember this as you go through demanding days - that being a stay-at-home mom is a privilege because it is a calling that gives us a unique opportunity to become more Christlike - laying down our own lives for the lives of others, giving up our own selfish desires in order to assist God in building the next generation.
This is worth more than all the money in the world.
Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas! Don't buy things no one needs and stay focused on what's important - your children and the time you spend with them!
Posted in Mothering | Permalink
Comments
This post is so encouraging to me. Thanks! Stay-at-home moms need lots of encouragement!
Posted by: anne | December 20, 2006 10:17 AM
Wow, Barbara, what an encouragement to me at this time. I see so many families "prospering" financially around me and sometimes I completely lose sight of where I'm building up my treasures. I have been tempted to return to the nursing field to have a "little more", but its words like yours that remind me and get me back to where I know the Lord wants me. Thank you for the awesome reminder. May the Lord continue to bless your words to us moms.
God bless.
Posted by: Jenna | December 20, 2006 11:15 AM
Oh, Amen and Amen!
Posted by: Kari at HealedWaters.com | December 20, 2006 11:26 AM
Amen!
Posted by: Shannon Best | December 20, 2006 5:27 PM
