If you have younger children, you’ve probably experienced a morning like the one I’m about to describe. I’m used to waking up very early with my husband to see him off to work and to enjoy a little time of quiet and meditation before the chaos of the day starts (i.e. our 2 year old wakes up). Ideally, I’ll make myself a nice cup of hot coffee and settle down on the couch with the view of the farm across the street and read the Bible and pray while the sun comes up.
Well, it doesn’t always work out that way and this one particular morning was the extreme opposite.
I was up with my husband just like always, but our toddler decided to wake up early too. Brian walked out the door and I began my morning routine, looking forward to spending some needed time with God, but Jordan had other ideas.
Long story short, the morning ended with torn Bible pages, highlighter all over my white couch, and no progress made on my Bible study which was due that evening. I couldn’t help but feel anger and fury boiling up, and it was all directed at him. I knew it wasn’t fair, he just needed my attention, but I was just about at my breaking point.
Even more frustrating was that I was getting all worked up over something that should have been edifying.
Can I get an “amen” from the moms that have been here?
Regardless of how much you want to grow spiritually or even just to rekindle your fire for God in some way, kids will unintentionally get in the way. It’s part of parenting.
So, I’ve had to start thinking about moments when moms can connect with God.
The Midnight hours
I’ve found the best time to pray is when Jordan’s woken up in the middle of the night and I’m sitting in the rocking chair next to his bed while he drifts back to sleep. Despite my exhaustion, it’s been one of the best times to just talk with God.
Another time when I like to pray is after we read stories for his bedtime routine and he asks me to sit with him for a little bit. I’m not quite as tired then.
Listen while doing the dishes/folding laundry
I thank God for my smartphone most when I’m able to turn on the Bible app on audio and just listen to His word. I’ve had to pretty much give up on being able to just sit and read my physical Bible, so at least I can quench my thirst for Him by listening.
The funny thing about this is that since I have this playing a lot throughout the day, if I turn it off, Jordan actually asks for it!
Chalkboard Bible Verses
If you have a chalkboard or message board in a high traffic area of your home, try writing a Bible verse on it. Every time you walk by you can be reminded of its message and God’s presence in your everyday life.
While Driving
Countless hours of time spent behind the wheel is the perfect opportunity to fill your mind and soul with spiritual food. I personally love listening to Moody radio, especially “In the Market with Janet Parshall”. Being intentional about using that precious time while your kids are strapped in to shut out all the noise of the world can be a huge boost for your day.
Before the kids wake up
If you can manage to get up before the kiddos (without sacrificing too much of your own much needed sleep), those quiet morning minutes can be unbelievably uplifting and wonderful for starting the day out right. Obviously, it doesn’t always work out that way for me, but I think the key thing to remember is that if this time of day doesn’t end up working out for getting some spiritual focus, then make an extra effort in the other times mentioned above.
The times when it may be best not to
There are a few times that are usually the most popular for doing Bible study, but I am not including them in this post for a reason: nap time and before going to bed.
So, naptime… that hour of so in the middle of the day when the house is yours again is so precious and certainly would be a great time to reconnect with God. However, I think God understands when we have to use that time to rest ourselves or catch up on some of the tasks that simply can’t be accomplished with children.
The other time most would suggest as a great time to do your personal devotions is right before bed, but as a wife, I believe those moments are better spent with your husband. It can be a spiritual time if you are in the habit of praying together, but just make sure you aren’t isolating yourself from him.
It can be so frustrating to be a Mom and feel you are drifting away spiritually because you have been working so hard at caring for your children. But, take heart. God gave you this ministry of parenting knowing full well what it would require from you and He delights in the times you are able to re-focus. Those little pockets of time throughout the day may be brief, but they have been exactly what I need to keep going.
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