The Kids of Integrity Challenge is finished!

A priority check for Mom

As we come to the end of our lesson on Perseverance, I find myself reflecting on my own struggle to persevere with personal daily prayer time. Questions and thoughts buzz in my head like pesky horseflies . . .

• Why is it so hard to want to spend time with God when I know it will bless us both?
• What if God arranged it so that I’m forced to pay attention to Him? Am I leaving Him no choice but to do something unpleasant to catch my notice? It would be my own fault . . .
• How can I possibly be so blind as to choose my to-do list over prayer when He gives me each minute and each breath?
• If my kids tested my patience like I test God’s, I would be in a straightjacket by now!
• How can I be an example to Jess and Ben if they don’t see me reading my Bible and praying? It’s unlikely they’ll make it a habit in their own lives if it’s not modelled for them first.
• How can I actually forget about our Creator in the busyness of the day? What do I do with my guilt?

The flies continue to circle and bite.

When I had my first baby, friends told me that I would be consumed with caring for a newborn – that I shouldn’t expect anything to be “the way it was before.” As Ben grew more mobile, I became pregnant again. Jessica arrived and I was busier and more tired than I’d ever been before. I was comforted by the knowledge that God is especially gentle with mothers and little ones. I desperately needed that extra measure of grace! The guilt eased and I survived on snippet prayers. 

But now, years later, I have no excuse. No babies. No toddlers. I’m a stay-at-home mom with two kids going into full-time school.

What are your real priorities, Krista? It’s time to live what you say is important.

How do I do that when I’m so hopelessly out of practice? My Type-A personality recognizes that my distracted brain needs a concrete reminder. What about a fridge chart? Something I’d have to check off every day? The sensitive part of my soul cries out in protest, “How can you reduce THE ALMIGHTY GOD to a fridge chart along with flossing your teeth and taking out the garbage?!”

But I need to start somewhere. Isn’t that what discipline is all about? Starting at the beginning with the basics until it becomes more natural? Slowly working your way up from the bottom? Exercising those prayer muscles until they begin to memorize the routine? Hopefully even crave it?

The war continues. The horseflies take off and land again.

It shouldn’t have to be this way, but I’ll try the fridge chart and I’ll pray, pray, pray that God would tune my ears to His voice . . . pray that my heart would be so hungry for Him that I’d rather read His Word than do anything else.

Remember, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

Tags:

• Perseverance