When you fly you listen to the flight attendants go over the safety procedures.  Without fail when it comes to the part where they discuss what to do if the oxygen masks come down, they tell us to put on our own mask first before trying to help any others.  As a mom this can sometimes seem kind of backwards because we naturally want to take care of our children first.  But the truth is we can’t help them if we don’t take care of ourselves first.

As we try to raise respectful, successful children who devote their lives to Christ we must remember to put on our own mask first.  This means taking care of our health, devoting time to ourselves, maintaining an atmosphere of romance in our marriages, and most importantly spending time with God.

Today so many moms get it backwards.  We easily slip into devoting our lives to our children, taking them to playgroups, then music class, later to sports practice and the list goes on and on.  In the hustle and bustle of life it is hard to find time for ourselves. 

 As a stay-at-home-mom with a 2 year old and an 8 month old at home I have recently found myself devoting all of my time and attention to their needs forgetting about my own.  In the process I found myself more irritable, worn out, and just lacking true passion for anything.  My wonderful husband quickly brought it to my attention in a loving manner and gave me some time to devote to myself.  I quickly got my passion back for even the littlest things in life and I have made a plan for allowing me more time for myself.  My energy and love for my children has grown as well.

This weekend is Mother’s Day so I challenge you to take some time for yourself and think about how you are taking care of YOU.  Are you wearing your oxygen mask before you attempt to put your children’s on?  Are you taking care of your health, keeping romance alive, and spending time with God?  Start with God and allow Him to give you creativity for the rest.

Sarah Brown

Recently, as I was driving in our neighborhood, I noticed a fire hydrant covered completely in a bag that read “NOT IN SERVICE” .
Now try to imagine living in the home near that property and a fire erupts in your house. You call the Fire Department to come but when they arrive it is to no avail because the fire hydrant is NOT IN SERVICE!!!
As I pondered this, my thoughts led me to think about this  in the context of parenting. Likely, there are many children and teens who sometimes (or often) feel this way when it comes to their parents being available for them. Do you just get so busy, doing what you do, as a result you are just not there for your kids? Is making money, being in your comfort zone, putting your expectations and wishes over your kids etc. keeping you from being there when your kids want to be with you the most?
Regretfully, many parents realize, too late, that reaching their own financial, career advancement, relational, and personal goals have taken the place of spending those few short years with the children they loved and wanted to be close to.
Parents, please don’t let your kids frequently see that imaginary “Not in service” sign wrapped around you any longer.
Love,
Karen