What sort of mum has time to read the Bible?

I was always quite studious and enjoyed reading the bible growing up. I am quite competitive and if there was a challenge to memorise 1 verse, I would memorise 2. I did bible in one year reading plans and took notes during sermons… you get the idea. As a student it seems like you’re in some sort of time warp and there was endless time for deep chats, serving the church, going on mission trips and growing in faith. It’s a little more challenging when you are a young professional but still your time is your own and you can have consistent routines. Getting married brings its challenges but you’ve got a fellow partner in discipleship and someone to encourage you. Then you have a baby and boom suddenly you are consumed with keeping this little bundle alive and trying to not go crazy from sleep deprivation.

You make it through the haze of the first few weeks and maybe can cope with listening to the odd podcast here and there. Church becomes a bit more interesting as there is the first hurdle of just getting there, then once there either spending most of the time feeding, feeling so tired that you can’t really take anything being said in or at the back trying to work out why the little bundle is making so much noise and hoping nobody minds too much! The challenges continue as they get older this morning I spent a fair chunk of the worship time mopping up spilt juice and finding spare socks. I’m quite often leading or helping the kids groups at church which I do love or staying with one of the children who don’t want to leave me but it means its hard to get much spiritual input for yourself.

Finding a ‘quiet time’ really does sometimes feel impossible. One important thing I’ve learnt over time is to not feel guilty about this. Guilt never comes from God. However it is vital to work out how to get that spiritual input and I think it takes creativity to find ways to spend time reading the bible and praying as a busy parent.

I felt a nudge back in the Autumn to get up early on my work days and spend some time with God. I think I managed twice before Christmas and both times one or more children came and interrupted. With some encouragement from a friend (I am very fortunate to have an amazing friend who keeps me accountable and frequently asks how time with God is going – try and find one of these if at all possible!) and new year motivation I’ve had 3 out of 3 this year and its been great. I’ve got up (if you read my other posts you may remember I’m not a morning person so this is an achievement), put the kettle on, lit a candle and spent a few moments either reading the bible or praying or listening to God. The biggest impact that it has had so far is on my handling of getting out the door without frantically shouting at innocent children.

One thing that has helped enable this has been to explain to the children this was something I wanted to do so I shared this as something I wanted to commit to in our family end of year review. Harry’s been very good at holding me to account! Also lighting the candle helps as it’s a good focus point for me and a very visible sign to the children that I’m spending time with God. Obviously 3 days isn’t much of a record and it doesn’t take much to knock a routine but I’ve found something that is working for now!

I love the Parenting for Faith resources and one thing they talk about is creating windows into your journey with God for your kids to see. I really want them to know how important spending focussed time with God is but I’ve never felt I’ve had many open windows! Hopefully this is one I’ve created.

Remember never feel guilty for not spending time but be inspired to because when you do its always worth it!

Links

https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/

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