When I was a young mother with only a few children I remember wondering to myself how some of my peers seemed to be able to have it all and look so together all the time. I was a leader in our MOPS group at church as well as a co-leader of a large Bible Study that required much time and homework. I always felt like I was letting someone down, friends, family, kids, etc. as their just weren't enough hours in the day to be that person in my mind I felt God wanted me to be.

One afternoon a very wise older woman who was a leader in our church came to me and asked how I was doing? I poured my heart out to her and she listened very intently. When I was done she said these words to me that I will never forget. Julie, your number one priority right now should be your husband and your children. They are your mission field. If you fail in the raising of your family because you are to busy to notice or to focused on others how will that please God? This very Godly woman had made this mistake, and though she had served God with all of her heart, she felt that she should have been more focused on home when her children were younger and less on serving in a larger capacity....their would be plenty of time for that.

The following verse made me remember this discussion that took place over ten years ago:

"It is insufficient to proclaim that the Church of God has a mission in the world. Rather, the God of mission has a Church in the world."
~ Tim Dearborn ~

While I definitely believe that God wants us to be a light unto the world he also wants our light to shine for our own families. I understood that I was giving so much to others I had very little left to give those most important to me. I believe this is a mistake many mothers with young children make. Our society does not honor mothering so we feel we must make a difference somewhere else.

I stopped being a leader in many of these groups, though I still attended, and let those women whose children were older take over the main responsibilities. I promised myself that when all of the children were in school I would go back to serving which I really did love. Little did I know that I would be the mother of preschoolers for the next decade.

Now, if your are a bible study leader with young children please understand I am not criticizing you in any way. I admire you for your willingness to serve. However, if you have been reading this blog for very long you know that I have a problem with over volunteering. I have a problem realizing that my mission field is asleep right now in their bunk beds. Those who reside in my home are very special to God and he wants to make sure I don't forget them. I am trying very hard to remember that.

Laurel Wreath is hosting "In other Words" this weak. Head on over to her place to find others who have written about this same subject on there blogs.

Blessings,
Julie

Labels: faith