Monday, January 4, 2016

Lessons From My Forced Sabbath: My Children Are My _!



  
As I was beginning to realize that a Forced Sabbath was imminent, I was feeling so guilty about stopping many of my children's favorite activities. I mentally wrestled with it, and tried to negotiate fuzzy math like a political candidate, but to no avail. I was far from accepting it gracefully as a time of rest. Then there was the day I providentially met my friend in a parking lot as I was dropping off my son for one of those aforementioned activities.

We were chatting about kids and 'Mom' stuff, and before I knew it, I was completely offloading all of my baggage regarding this approaching season. She patiently listened, and then began to share with me about her own forced sabbath that she had experienced last summer. A temporary move to another town with her husband's summer job, left her and her children in a new community without much connection. In the midst of sickness, loneliness, and frustration, she was still able to enjoy the amazing creation around her, and to refocus her priorities. Then she said these words, "I began to realize that my children had become my interruption instead of my ministry."  
  
Do you see it? I bet you do. I bet you fully understand why I could now embrace my season of rest, and even anticipate it! For she was spot on; my children had become my interruption! Whether it was just wanting to chat with me or show me something, or even need help with school, they were an interruption that was interfering with my chock-full agenda. They were not my ministry at all! In the midst of cooking, cleaning, chauffering, blogging, decorating, Facebooking, serving, etc. they had become my interruption, an annoyance. 
Oh. My. (deep breath)

 

Now fast forward from that fateful meeting over a month ago, to yesterday. I was blessed to see a dear friend and mentor that I do not often see. But every time I get to be in her presence, I treasure it. She encourages me and warms my spirit. There is such wisdom and godliness that just flows out of her mouth. (Background: She was a Missionary while simultaneously being a single mother! Her daughter is now faithfully serving in the mission field, and when I watch the pair of them interract, I am inspired. She is truly an incredible woman.)

During the course of our chat yesterday, I mentioned how times are tight for us right now, but that we feel led that I am still to stay home with my children. She looked at me with those beautiful Momma-eyes and said, "Hillary, you will not regret this time of pouring into your kids. They are the only thing on this earth that you can take to Heaven with you."  

Did you stop and read that again? Seriously,do it. Read it again. Soak it in. 

 Have you ever thought on that before?!
I have been pondering it for the past 24 hours and every time I think of it, I get chills in my soul. THAT is my goal, my ultimate goal for my children! That they, too, will know of the Lord's salvation, peace, hope, joy, and love, and ultimately end their earthly lives with a passage into His eternal kingdom.
  
So as I look at the blank in the title above, I ask myself, "Are my children my interruption, or are they my fellow sojourners on this path to Heaven?" If I fill that blank with anything but the latter, I am doing it all wrong. 

Mommas, let's not get this one wrong.


Blessings,
Hillary At Home 

 

10 comments:

  1. Thank you Hilary for the way you honor my momma. It's refreshing to know I am not the only one who sees the incredible gift she is. Great post too, you have a great way with words!!

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  3. Hilary, I am honored by your words. As I have followed all your activities, your home move, your home business, and all that you are as wife, mother, teacher, business woman, I am mesmerized by your talents. Godspeed you as you walk this wonder-filled path as a loving child of the Father, faithful wife, caring mother and generous entrepreneur.

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  4. Thank you both. I treasure that the Lord has allowed our paths to cross in ways that so powerfully spur me on to good works. You both truly do inspire me, and I am so grateful! God bless you both!

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  6. I was wondering if it would be alright to share this blog on my moms FB page? I would love to share your mom words of wisdom with my other mom friends.

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  7. Of course Amy! I wrote this to pass along the powerful words that have impacted me, in the hopes that they will encourage others. Blessings to you and your Men :)

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  9. Love this, Hillary. Thank you for the reminders!!! <3

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