Your Thriving Family: Mama's Advent - Please Excuse the Mess

I have been a bit consumed and at points feel like I am drowning. With the sometimes overwhelming amount of things to take care of, along with a body that isn't working at full strength, is taking its toll. My perfectionist nature is a hard thing to reconcile with this. It makes me a bit all or nothing at times. Though it helps to have a husband who recognizes this in me. His desire to want me to succeed means I can no longer be pulled between working outside of the house and raising children while taking care of the house.

I read a post from Time-Warp Wife earlier this week and this stuck with me:

"And remember–housework is far more than a chore, it’s an opportunity for us to joyfully serve our family as unto the Lord!"

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

~ Colossians 3:23-24, NIV

God does not expect perfection, God does not look at the end results - as we and our family may. God looks at our heart. At our motivation. At our intentions.

It drives me CRAZY to have a messy house. I cannot relax. I cannot shut off. When there is clutter (that apparently only I see) covering the house I have a hard time being able to sit in the evening and spend some much needed time with my husband. Even when it takes a nominal amount of time to pick up the clutter it doesn't help with building a bond with my husband.

I have to actively remind myself that it is the cost of having a life full of blessings. Of two little ones and a husband who I sometimes have to clean up after like the kiddos. The mess and clutter is okay. As much as I want everything to have a home - I must create a home for my family first.

A while back I saw this phrase posted on Facebook . . .

I thought, "How cute. That is such a nice sentiment". A few days later I looked at it again and tears welled up. How many times have I only delighted in my children's play when it suited my standards for cleanliness or volume level? Not to say there haven't been those times when I was a little more patient. But the mess and noise mean life!

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

~ Luke 2:29

Since having children this scripture has been one dear to my heart. All scripture is God breathed. God intended this to be there, to speak to the mother's heart. I know our husband's love our children just as much, but in a totally different way. As mother's we often faun and are consumed with being enamored of our children. Blessings and responsibilities given to us by God.

Mary was told that her child would grow to the the Savior of the World. She didn't know the details of how this would come about. But she had faith and trust in what Gabriel had told her before His conception. How precious this time of growing and learning is!

I love watching my children. Seeing their new discoveries and joys. Trying to spy on them so they don't become embarrassed or self conscious of their Mama soaking them up and holding them as treasures. What fills me most is when my children delight in the enjoyment of others. Seeing their faces alight at the excitement of other children.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

~ Luke 2:52

My prayer is for our children to grow in Godly wisdom and favor with Him. To have a character of Godliness and integrity that man cannot help but respect them. That by their lives they will show the glory of God. His love, compassion and saving grace.