The Intentional Parent

*Disclaimer* The following post is written towards moms but could most definitely be applied to dads and really any individual.

“What people are craving isn’t perfection. People aren’t longing to be impressed; they’re longing to feel like they’re home.” - Shauna Niequist Bread & Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes

I tend to be a perfectionist. I’m the mom who likes her house in order, clean, and everything in a timely manner. Guilty as charged! Although it’s okay to want all those things I also know my kids just want me. It’s a difficult balance. My schedule is crazy today do I put in a load of laundry in the washer or sit and play dolls with my daughter? I know some of you are thinking, “duh, spend time with your kids!” But it truly is something I have to be intentional about on a daily basis. I hope I’m not the only mom who struggles with this!!!

Although my husband likes to walk into a clean home and dinner in the works he’s also communicated to me that happy kids who’ve had a great day with mom are also comforting to him, the chores can wait and will always be there. To hear that from my husband means a lot because it gives me permission to let some things go and he has no hidden expectations.

Do you recall the story in the bible (Luke 10:38-42) where Martha and Mary have a visit from Jesus? 

 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

I would be Martha in this story! I’d be running around with my head cut off trying to impress Jesus when he’s not a bit least concerned about the bookcase that needs dusted or the crumbs on the counter. I would be missing my opportunity to spend time with him!

To apply this to my every day life if I’m not intentional I could be missing wonderful opportunities with my kids. They want the fun mom every once in awhile. The one who plays ball with them and has tea parties. They don’t want the mom whose constantly barking orders at them or getting onto them for the messes they make. Be intentional with your time because people aren’t craving perfection they are longing for a home!

Additional Resources:

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver

If you want to Walk on Water, You Have to Get out of the Boat by John Ortberg

Life Management for Busy Women by Elizabeth George

Power Verses:

Philippians 4:19 

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 21:5 

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the sun