Well, we are back in the swing of things school wise. I am enjoying having the special time with Sophie Bug, time that I can devote to her and share with her and love on her. Then, about the time that Hattie is getting home, Sophie is going down for a nap. This means I get to have that special time with Hattie Boo. Everybody wins!
But, here is the dilemma - what about my quiet time? I want to have the time to devote to God and God alone. But, I also want my girls to SEE me devoting time to God. I want to show them that it is an important part of my life and who I am. I want them to see that it is refreshing and vital to my - and as such, OUR - security and spiritual health. HOWEVER, it is hard to DEVOTE that time to God when it is stuck between keeping little fingers from turning the page too soon, keeping bigger little fingers from "helping" mommy write in the prayer journal, breaking up fights over toys, chasing a little crawler down the hall BEFORE she gets to the bathroom (which HAS to stay open because of her big sis who is not strong enough to get the sticky sliding pocket door open on her own), and helping a four year old who wants to "read too". So, do I do it when they are up and around and can see my example, but I have to fight to get it done AND remember what I have read, OR do I get up early and do it with them NOT around? To be seen or not to be seen ... THAT is my question today.
Anyone have any ideas?
Anyone?
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
To Be or Not To Be ... SEEN
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5 of ya left some love:
My suggestion is that your quiet time with God is that- YOUR QUIET TIME with GOD. So no kiddos.
BUT- your kiddos will benefit from seeing your committment to having that quiet time. Talk about it. Tell them what you learned and when you had it.
AND- Have a small devotional with them. Use a kids quiet time/devotional book where Hattie can help read and Sophie can look at the pages. During this time mention how when they are napping or at school you spent time alone with God too.
Yeah...I agree with Kelli. At this age, they're not able to process "big people devotional activity". The stillness with just you and God is needed for you to hear what God is speaking to you.
As your kids grow, you may be able to move it to a time/place/way where they actually see & understand what you are doing.
As for now, a family kid-focused devotional time would probably best help them understand the importance of our time with our Creator.
I'm so proud of you for being so intentional about the messages you are sending to your children about your relationship with God. Beautiful!!!
love you
erica
I think you can do both! As a busy mom of two young ones- sometimes you have to take what you can get! I usually do my Beth Moore Bible study early in the morning as soon as I get up -sometimes the kids are still sleeping and other times they wake up and are playing on their own...Either way, I stay consistent. They may be young, and there may be interruptions- but I do think you are living out your faith and showing them how you are prioritizing. It counts- even at a young age! On the other hand, you do want to make sure you still have that quiet time alone with God where you can be still with Him. Even though your girls are young- it's good for them to see that you are putting God first (and that they may have to wait for Mommy's help and attention). Even if some days you only get a paragragh read in your study or in your Bible- your girls are learning that Mom wakes up and takes time for God- before all other things. In general- I say do both...but make sure you are still getting that quality time alone with Him.
saw your blog on LPM and i have to tell you that up until recently i have been struggling with the same thing. But...heres the thing. We struggle so often to make our quiet time a priority, but not THE priority. Your first and foremost priority is with the Lord, not your kids. i had to get that through my head too. and believe me, it is c.r.a.z.y at my house too. Plus Beth said something during one of her simulcasts that i attended. I hate getting up early. hate it hate it. then she pointed out a couple of scriptures to me that kinda changed my perspective.
Ecc 11:6 Sow your seed in the MORNING...
Is. 50:4,5 we have a capacity to hear God in the morning in a way like no other part of the day.
Soo, i just made myself start to get up before my kids, which is at 6. I started with a few minutes and now it has changed into 1hour beforehand on some days.
You decide...what's your priority? :)
ps I did want to point out that we shouldn't be legalistic about the time in the morning. Some days, I may only get 15 or 20 min in before the kids get up. other days is more. the point is that i have spent some true alone quiet time with Him.
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