I have been reading through a book my mom gave me called "A Mother's Heart" by Jean Fleming. It has really been hitting close to home as I have been struggling lately with being a mom and how that works out with still being a wife, a friend, myself, etc.
The chapter I read yesterday was about love and how we show that to our children, and the world. She paraphrased 1st Corinthians 13 and it really made me think about how I am showing my kids (and husband) that I do love them. The things I think are important to get done in a day (like cleaning the house!) really don't matter if I'm not showing love to my family.
1st Corinthians 13 (Paraphrased by Jean Fleming)
"If I keep my house immaculately clean, and am envied by all for my interior decorating, but do not show love in my family - I'm just another housewife.
If I'm always producing lovely things - sewing, art; if I always look attractive, and speak intelligently, but am not loving to my family - I am nothing.
If I am busy in community affairs, teach sunday school, and drive in the carpool, but fail to give adequate love to my family - I gain nothing.
Love changes diapers, cleans up messes, and ties shoes - over and over again.
Love is kind, though tired and frazzled.
Love doesn't envy another wife - one whose children are "spaced"better, or in school so she has time to pursue her own interests.
Love doesn't try to impress others with my abilities or knowledge as a mother.
Love doesn't scream at the kids.
Love doesn't feel cheated because I didn't get to do what I wanted to do today - sew, read, soak in a hot tub.
Love doesn't lose my temper easily.
Love doesn't assume that my children are being naughty just because their noise level is irritating.
Love doesn't rejoice when other people's children misbehave and make mine look good. Love is genuinely happy when others are honored by their children. "
Now I'm not saying we shouldn't try to keep our houses clean, produce lovely things or be active in your community, but if I am putting my own interests in front of my family, where is the love? When my children grow up will they remember how much I love them or will they remember that mom was always busy and couldn't take the time to snuggle with them?
I want the former.
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