Purpose

I am in a unique stage of life that demands everything (and more) that I have, all the time--physically, emotionally and spiritually. I'm tired. I get burnt out. But, I love my calling, and don't wish away even one second (OK, so I'd exchange some, not wish them away, does that count?).

As a mother, my job is to teach and protect my children. I am the door by which anything on the outside must enter. I wrote the other day about purposing to keep a tight reign on the words and music my children hear. Here are the other things I purpose, daily, to do.

1.) To speak calmly, even-toned and with kindness--even when my emotions are at a boiling point.

2.) To read with Anna-Kate, just us. There is nothing she loves more than me reading to her. Such a simple thing that I can do to show her, with my time, how much I love her.

3.) To get down on the floor and play trains, tunnels and trucks with Ryan. He is so good at playing independently that I truly have to purpose to spend individual time with him, because he doesn't demand it.

4.) To stop and really enjoy Jack. He is so happy and absolutely lights up and gets "full body happy", giggling and cooing, when I get down on his level to play and "flirt". Sweet special moments I can't get back.

5.) To not be lazy. I love to check my email, facebook and blog-stalk (and, for those of you who read this blog and don't comment--that's what you are, blog-stalkers!). Clearly, I know that as a mother of 3 with a big house to keep clean, kids' clothes to make, and dinner to prepare, my internet time needs to be kept to a minimum. I have to intentionally purpose to stay away from the computer while my kids are awake--and to put my desires on hold--to meet my kids where they are, putting their needs above my wants.

6.) To speak Godly truth, in love to my kids.

7.) To use Scripture in my reprimands and point them to Jesus, not to me being disappointed in their behavior.

8.) To discipline in love, and, to discipline my kids as individuals--not just doing one specific thing that worked on another child.

9.) To not get wrapped up in "my time" and stress bad naps or Chris working late. It's not my time, I've been gifted moments, some just last longer than others.

10.) To remember that my house can always be cleaned tomorrow, but today is the only day I will have these moments with my kids--to remember what is most important.

Wow, reading back over this list I sure feel like a slacker. Praying that my love for my kids will cover a multitude of my shortcomings and that my kids will look back, one day, and remember the sweet cuddles and time reading and playing.