A few friends and I were commiserating with one another at small group the other night. Two of them have newborns and one has 3 foster children. We were discussing the difficulty that we seem to face as mothers when it comes to our time with God.
When moms are sleep deprived and off-schedule, it can be extremely difficult to find a steady quiet time with God. The cycle continues when we go several days (or even weeks) without that communion causing us to feel even more discouraged and malnourished spiritually.
I've noticed that this same thing can happen even without newborns in the house. A bad nights sleep, a busy week, or poor time-management can throw us off schedule more often than we'd like.
So! What's a mommy to do? Here's a few ideas that may help:
1. As soon as possible, create a daily schedule.
During the first few weeks after a sweet baby arrives, it's virtually impossible to plan out a day. An exploding diaper or colicky little one can wreak havoc on a schedule.
After a couple months, though, it becomes a little easier to get into a routine. I've found that it helps me to write out a daily schedule and post it on the fridge until it becomes a habit. (Yes, my dear husband makes fun of me for this OCD move).
Start by scheduling a 15-20 minute time exclusively for your time with God. Hopefully, this time can grow later on, but at least you have it carved out of your day.
Stick to your schedule as closely as possible remembering that flexibility is necessary on certain days. What seems a little forced at first, soon becomes a regular, special part of your day.
2. Spend time with God wherever and whenever possible.
As my busy little guys have gotten older and more mobile, I find that my quiet prayer time can get interrupted quickly so I have some backup quiet spots: the shower (not foolproof) and the kitchen sink.
In the 10 minutes or so, I spend in each respective location, God and I can catch up a little bit.
I've been surprised at the things He's spoken to my heart during these short conversations (ie. reviving this blog).
3. Use technology.
I love technology. I use my laptop, iPad, and phone regularly to strengthen my faith. I love my Bible reading plan on my YouVersion app. If I get behind, I can easily adjust my reading to catch me up.
I also listen to sermons and speakers on my computer or iPad while I do other housekeeping duties. It's a great way to preach grace to myself while also checking things off my to-do list. Here's a video I recently listened to by Elyse Fitzpatrick on Grace in Families: Click here.
Whatever you find works for you in the craziness of motherhood, remember this:
Our God isn't limited to a living room recliner and a 1 hour minimum to speak to our hearts. You may be surprised at what He uses to comfort, encourage, and challenge you.
Please don't feel guilty for not reaching certain standards in your devotion time with Him. Christ completed a perfect relationship with His Father for us so we can be the imperfect, broken mothers we are.
When moms are sleep deprived and off-schedule, it can be extremely difficult to find a steady quiet time with God. The cycle continues when we go several days (or even weeks) without that communion causing us to feel even more discouraged and malnourished spiritually.
I've noticed that this same thing can happen even without newborns in the house. A bad nights sleep, a busy week, or poor time-management can throw us off schedule more often than we'd like.
So! What's a mommy to do? Here's a few ideas that may help:
1. As soon as possible, create a daily schedule.
During the first few weeks after a sweet baby arrives, it's virtually impossible to plan out a day. An exploding diaper or colicky little one can wreak havoc on a schedule.
After a couple months, though, it becomes a little easier to get into a routine. I've found that it helps me to write out a daily schedule and post it on the fridge until it becomes a habit. (Yes, my dear husband makes fun of me for this OCD move).
Start by scheduling a 15-20 minute time exclusively for your time with God. Hopefully, this time can grow later on, but at least you have it carved out of your day.
Stick to your schedule as closely as possible remembering that flexibility is necessary on certain days. What seems a little forced at first, soon becomes a regular, special part of your day.
2. Spend time with God wherever and whenever possible.
As my busy little guys have gotten older and more mobile, I find that my quiet prayer time can get interrupted quickly so I have some backup quiet spots: the shower (not foolproof) and the kitchen sink.
In the 10 minutes or so, I spend in each respective location, God and I can catch up a little bit.
I've been surprised at the things He's spoken to my heart during these short conversations (ie. reviving this blog).
3. Use technology.
I love technology. I use my laptop, iPad, and phone regularly to strengthen my faith. I love my Bible reading plan on my YouVersion app. If I get behind, I can easily adjust my reading to catch me up.
I also listen to sermons and speakers on my computer or iPad while I do other housekeeping duties. It's a great way to preach grace to myself while also checking things off my to-do list. Here's a video I recently listened to by Elyse Fitzpatrick on Grace in Families: Click here.
Whatever you find works for you in the craziness of motherhood, remember this:
Our God isn't limited to a living room recliner and a 1 hour minimum to speak to our hearts. You may be surprised at what He uses to comfort, encourage, and challenge you.
Please don't feel guilty for not reaching certain standards in your devotion time with Him. Christ completed a perfect relationship with His Father for us so we can be the imperfect, broken mothers we are.