If you have been a Mom for very long at all, you realize your time with children at home is anything but quiet. Most of the time, all of that noise means love, fun and memory creation. Let’s be honest though, sometimes you wish you just had a few quiet minutes so you can complete a thought. The idea of spending a quiet time with God seems like a luxury a Mom can’t afford.
Do you want to be more effective when you correct your children? Do you wish you were more patient with their mistakes? Do you long to be more proactive about teaching your children about God? I will tell you a little secret I learned the hard way, taking a few minutes a day for a quiet time with God can change everything about your day and how your parent.
Don’t panic. I will be honest. I resisted the idea of quiet time for years because it sounded so overwhelming. The very idea of getting up at five in the morning for an hour of Bible study and prayer was exhausting. In those early years of parenting, I felt like I was running on empty anyway. Denying myself another hour of sleep sounded insane.
Then a friend of mine gave me the secret that changed everything. Do you wake up a few minutes before the alarm goes off in the morning? (If not, you are probably sleep deprived and need to try to nap when your children nap until you can catch up on your sleep a little. The housework will still be there later.) Instead of setting the alarm an hour early and getting out of bed for an intense study, the minute you awaken pray right where you are.
Tell God whatever is on your heart for the day. Ask Him to guide your steps and your words. Ask for wisdom in your parenting decisions for the day. Thank Him for the blessing of your children and ask him to help you be the parent they need to reach their God-given potential. Then grab the Bible or devo book on your night stand and read for five minutes.
If you want a devotional book to guide your thoughts on a scripture, you might like the one I was recently sent to review. 365 Moments of Peace for a Woman’s Heart: Reflections on God’s Gifts of Love, Hope, and Comfort
The entries themselves center around the topics that often cause stress and worry for Christian women. While they are not specifically geared towards mothers, the devotionals often seek to remind you of not only God’s love, but also His active presence in your life. Many of them challenge you to adopt a godly trait or act your faith in some concrete way. All of them are encouraging, without being overwhelming, for a Mom who already has her hands full with the ministry of raising children to be godly, productive Christian adults.
The prayers provided for the reader to consider are usually one sentence. I would encourage you to read them and add them to the Bible verses as things to reflect on as you go about your day. Your prayer time before reading is more likely what you and your family need.
Whether you choose to use this book or another or to read just a few verses of scripture on your own, I encourage you to rethink the idea of a quiet time in your life. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it just may give your day and your parenting that godly lift you need.