Mommy Time
COMMITMENT OF INVESTING IN YOUR CHILDREN
My children often catch me staring at them, and of course, as teenagers often do, they think I’ m weird! But behind what they think is mommy being weird is me reflecting on“ the blink”. From the time they first came home from the hospital as infants to the teenagers they are now, I blinked. The time has literally flown by, and it is a humbling reminder to enjoy every moment and opportunity that I get to spend with them.
As parents, we don’ t think about the fact that we have 18 summers and 18 birthdays to celebrate with them, or just 12 first days of school. When they are babies, we think we have all the time in the world, but here I am with a rising 8th and 9th grader realizing how short that time actually is.
My children will only be children for a short time. As their mom, I have to make the most of every day and every moment. Yes, there is balance and me-time so I can show up as the best version of myself for them. But this is about valuing the time that I have with my children. Every moment is an opportunity to make memories, instill valuable lessons, and teach them how to be good human beings.
I remember praying to God to be a mother. My road to motherhood was not an easy one. I remember being told that I would never have children. My heart was broken, but God blessed me with“ Things 1 and 2 "
( as I affectionately and playfully refer to them). I want to be the mother that He created me to be for them. I want to be a good steward over the amazing gifts He has given me. I want to pour into them all that my Heavenly Father has poured into me for them.
While I jokingly ask,“ Lord, are you sure about this?” Because I am that introvert who loves to stay inside and be alone while these little things are energetic, outgoing, and bursting with personality! But I know God chose me to be their mom on purpose. I am uniquely equipped to nurture the gifts that He has given to them. So taking advantage of the moments that I have pouring into them, guiding( and as I so often remind myself) watering seed, is so important.
While I know that I can’ t control my children, I know that I influence them. I have to be intentional about the time that I spend with them, the example that I set for them, and the advice and lessons that I teach them.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of nurturing and spending quality time with our children. Deuteronomy 6:6-7, tells parents to impress God ' s commands upon their children and
B y: V i c t o r i a C o r p r e w
to talk about them in everyday life. This implies that spending time together provides opportunities for teaching and bonding.
Recently, my son asked me if I had time to talk. Yes, I was working, but in that moment I knew he needed me. I listened as he talked, shared my thoughts, and encouraged him. The next day, he came to me and thanked me for listening and making it easy for him to talk to me. Yes, I was busy, but it really didn’ t take much time to listen to him and be there for him when he needed me. It can be so easy to treat our children as though what concerns them is not important because they are just kids and their problems are not as important as our adult issues.
I am committed to teaching my children life lessons that will help them to become productive, caring, and appreciative people while creating a loving and supportive environment. Sometimes this will happen through the example that I set in how I handle myself, other times it is through praying with them each morning and encouraging them as they prepare for the day. However the opportunities present themselves, I am committed to teaching and sharing life with my children throughout everyday moments. Every moment with my children counts! 38