I am guilty of pursuing other endeavors outside my home. I can get passionate about other things besides my children, but it simply is not worth it.
I get tired and bogged down by the daily chores in my home. The laundry, dishes, groceries, and meals. A constant song of “I want,” “I need” “Help me,” “Mommy please.” In the business of it all, I lose focus of my role as a mom beyond those tasks, and my heart begins to look in other places.
I start to dream about big things outside my home. Maybe writing, maybe a part-time job now that all girls are in school, or maybe a place where I can give myself and feel useful. In no time, I lose focus, and my enjoyment in life seems to come not from my role as a mom, but by the accomplishments I gain. I begin to look at my “resume” of how many published articles I have, how many people attend my Zumba classes, or how well our ministries at the church are going.
But at the end of my day, when I look at the things that really matter in life, and when I put my priorities into place, nothing is more important than my children. No writing contract, no part-time adventure, and not the success of a children’s ministry. Because at the end of the day, if I have sacrificed my children in order to gain the world, I have lost the most precious treasures entrusted to me.
I would do anything for my children. No sacrifice is too big. Yet I often sacrifice them by giving my time, energy, and affections to my other pursuits. And so today I am reminded of what my husband once said, “You don’t want to sacrifice your children on the altar of success.”
My girls bring me great joy. I cherish them and delight in them. They give me life, they fill my heart and soul. They are my treasures, and it is my greatest desire to love them well, and be always present and available in their lives.
Parents, let’s keep our focus, let’s love our children well. Let’s not sacrifice them on the altar of success, it isn’t worth it.
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Good post Ellen!…:-)
You said, “I would do anything for my children. No sacrifice is too big. Yet I often sacrifice them by giving my time, energy, and affections to my other pursuits.” The biggest sacrifice we can give is being a servant to our family by giving up our time for them. As we juggle all our responsibilities we lose track of their needs day by day and moment by moment. They need to know that you care about their day and understand their feelings and that takes time and a fresh perspective.
I know Nichole can be very frustrating for you. Yet, she knows you are her fortress in times of trouble and as she grows, her connection with you will grow as well.
Take Care!
Nichole definitely has a preference for her daddy, but mostly it does not bother me. Although it is a little frustrating when I pick her up at school, and she says “no” to me every time. At least I know she does chose me over anyone else if daddy is not around!
I love this, Ellen. Great reminder!! Thank you!
I need to be reminded of this…too often I am afraid. Enough that it gets quoted by the hubby around my house 😉
I see I commented on this post before, but I also want to note that our children are slowly changing as they grow up. I remember times when I did not have time to play with them when they were little and I cringe. That opportunity is gone now and can never come back. It is hard to keep everything in balance…;-/
Well, let me say, God is speaking this into my life in a big way. And repeatedly. Because I’m kind of hard headed. So thanks for being another vessel of his instruction to me. I’ve got a tough, but overdue, phone call to make…. Hugs to your gang!