Chasing solitude
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For single people, chasing solitude or quiet time may equate to sitting across a coffee table overlooking a luscious greenery, or feeling the warm sea breeze and soft waves as they walk along the beach.
For mothers, quiet time is… wait, what’s that again?
Christian moms, how has our routine changed ever since our kids came into the picture?
Can we still hold the Bible? Or is it just a baby all the time?
Can we still write our reflections from the Bible readings? Or leave our journals empty?
Can we still enjoy listening to hymns and worship songs? Or all we hear all day is the cry or chuckles of our children?
Devotion time for moms—now gone wrong?
There are things that are non-negotiable.
Being God’s child is one. Being a mother and rearing your own child is another.
What is your priority? Who should be the priority?
Of course we love and care for our babies, but nothing should replace God’s position in our lives.
He has given us wonderful gifts—our children—and He will not let what He gave block our relationship with Him.
Devotion time and its form are never the same
I used to have a journal with me, a cup of coffee and a pen every time I had a quiet time. I could even walk around the UPLB oval for my prayer time.
But with the presence of two kids—one toddler, one 8-month old—quiet time has been elusive. Very rarely will I hear silence at home. I can’t even go solo even during CR break. Our day job can leave us crazier. Working moms think about work while walking and carrying a baby.
We chase solitude. But then again, we Christian moms need to remember that nothing should replace God’s position in our lives.
He is before us.
Colossians 3:17 tells us, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
It only denotes how omniscient he is. He knows that these things will happen. He knows that you’ll be in that situation. That’s why everything we needed to know and be equipped of, He already stated through the Bible. He is aware that busyness can engulf the life of a mom, leaving her deprived of her own “me time”.
Thus, in the Bible, Jesus showed that spending time with the LORD doesn’t always have to be physically quiet. You can sing a song of praise and utter words of praise while putting the baby to sleep. You and your toddler can also enjoy rejoicing in God’s promises through dynamic action songs. You can pray for them and for their other concerns even when they’re awake and playing. There is no guideline that restricts us from getting intimate with God, that way. Have a different approach for that one goal of communing with God.
He is beside us.
Deuteronomy 31:6 “ for the LORD your God, he it is that does go with you…”
Remember any time of the day, God is with you!
At times, it is difficult to find time and read the Bible alone in an isolated area, read it with your kids. You’ll be surprised to see how God has been teaching you too! It is Father-daughter time (with you and God) and, at the same time, Father-mom-kid/s time. For when you do that, you also make them bond with Jesus. Never start and skip a day without studying a verse. It fuels us to be recharged for the day. He never goes out of reach. His communication line is always open.
He is after us.
John 14: 16 “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another helper who will be with you forever.”
We are on full guard. God has shown us how to live here on earth, in advance, when He sent Jesus not just to redeem us but to set an example. God has also assured us of His loving presence through the Bible, where everything we need can be found, including good company.
He is also after us. It can be manifested physically. There are times when your relatives, or even close friends would offer help to babysit or invite the kids over to their place.
At first, I admit, it was difficult. Separation anxiety is real. But then we have to look at those things as God’s provision so we can enjoy our time alone or with friends. Moms need a break, too. Again, you are also God’s daughter, not just an earthly mother. To the right people, we can entrust our kids. Cheer up! Your time should come.
Our God is omnipresent. The next time we feel that our ideal devotion has gone wrong, let’s pray. God will surely help any hardworking mom make time for herself. Nothing shall go wrong.