Shaken and Stirred

No, I’m not talking about martinis although that does sound good…But I’m referring to parenting thoughts right now.

I’m a mom of two little ones both under the age of two.  It’s a huge responsibility.  But they aren’t my focus.  They aren’t my everything.

Now before anyone starts judging, know that I love them so much and that is why they are not my world.  The world does not revolve around them.  My children will always know they are loved.  It’s a huge responsibility to raise children, to help them learn about their decisions, their personalities, their character, just how special God made them.  But instead of letting the huge responsibility consume my every actions, to hold me back from getting out in the world and serving as God has created me to, I’m not holding back.  I’m living.  I’m living life with children.

This morning I studied Hebrews 10:23-25 which states, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Guiding my children is more than just discipline (although definitely a part of our guidance)…It is being an example.  It is challenging them to see others rather than just being concerned about themselves or their own needs.  I love the words, “stir up one another” in this scripture.  He doesn’t say learn, develop the habit, pray for or ask for…he says stir.  You see, we have goodness in us thanks to God who created us in His image and who lives within us.  It’s in us.  He’s in us.  We just need to stir it up sometimes!

Our children come with us as we serve in different countries. They come with us as we do local service projects monthly.  We are stirring the goodness and greatness within them allowing them to experience it through our lives and as a family.  Hopefully as we talk about love they see, experience, and are a part of living it out.

It isn’t always easy.  In fact, it’s a lot more work and you never really know the moods they will be in.  But I know and believe it is much better for them to get out and see love in action, to be a part of this world even as young as they are, rather than to use them as an excuse as to why we can’t do something.  I want them to always know that no matter how young or small, they already have something to share with others.

I want to stir them up!