Making Your Home a Haven - Part 3

I’ve really been learning a lot as we’ve been working through this series discussing how we can make our homes into havens . There has been a lot for me to think about…things I’ve never really sat down and fleshed out before…so it has been very good for me!

So far, we’ve looked at nourishing your own walk with God , honoring and respecting your husband , and today we’re going to look at…

Serving your children

If you haven’t been with us during this series, you may want to start here .

I am a new mother, so I am no expert on this subject. In fact, I’d like to do less talking and more listening today and get your input today.

Before you all share your wisdom, here are a few thoughts that I had about what it means to serve your children:

1. When we Serve our Children, we are Imitating Christ.

Jesus came not to be ministered unto, but to minister (Matthew 20:28). He washed the disciple’s feet, provided food for the five thousand, healed people, prayed for His disciples…even gave His life for you and me. As mother’s we’ve been given the opportunity to imitate Christ’s selfless service every day to our little sheep. When Christ served, He did not expect anything in return…He did not come to be ministered unto, and neither should we. This is not to say that we don’t expect good behavior and respect from our children, but it does mean that there will be many diapers changed, messes cleaned, noses wiped, meals cooked and clothes washed that we will never be recognized for…and that’s ok.

2. Serving our Children Does NOT Mean being a Slave to our Children

Serving (i.e. ministering) is not one and the same with being a “slave” to our children. Serving means overseeing the nourishment, education, discipleship and care of our children. It does NOT mean doing whatever your child wants just because they want to do it. Part of you serving your children means leading them by establishing rules and boundaries, as well as disciplining them and teaching them character. That is true service. As mothers, we are not to be slaves to our children’s desires and tantrums.

3. The Following Are Some Ways That I Can Serve My Children:

• Let God’s love and grace flow through me each day so that I respond correctly with wisdom and patience and am like a sweet savor to my children
• Train them in the fear and admonition of the Lord by disciplining them, reading and memorizing scripture with them, bringing them to church and talking to them about the Lord
• Pray with and for them
• Respect and Honor my husband as this provides stability to them and paints a picture of how the Church honors and respects Christ
• Be there – for their first steps, their first words, when they fall, when they laugh – whatever it is, I must be there with and for my children…especially when they are young.
• Provide healthy meals and nutrition that will nourish their growing bodies
• Make sure they are properly clothed and well-cared for
• Kiss their boo-boos and hold them when they are sick or sad
• Listen to them, play with them, laugh with them, build a strong bond with them
• Provide a rich learning atmosphere where they can flourish intellectually, emotionally, relationally and spiritually

Now, let me hear from you. What does it mean to serve/minister to your children in your role as “mother”?