Moms Are Happy But...

Hello Emmanuel,

It was another good Mother’s Day yesterday.  And by ‘good’, I mean that Mom was happy.  Clearly any other ‘good’ doesn’t matter on Mother’s Day, right?  We go about our day trying to find ways to say ‘thank you’.  For us it was an attempt to have the house clean; the kids fixing a meal for Kim; and then giving her gifts. 

Emmanuel (and other churches) also go about trying to celebrate moms.  Free stuff is given away, the most popular being flowers.  This year, however, Emmanuel is offering a different kind of gift…. The gift of time.  I (and any other willing man) am going to offer childcare from 12:00 until 2:00 next Sunday for any moms that just want time to do what they want.  We will feed the kids and make sure they have fun while moms aren’t around (which isn’t really all that difficult… hehe….).

I think this is a neat idea that comes from the Vision Team… the gift of time.  What is it that moms don’t have enough of?  It isn’t flowers or bookmarks or pins… it’s time.  It falls into one of my passionate issues when it comes to healthy living as a disciple:  self-care.

I would have left ministry on more than one occasion if I didn’t learn how to take care of myself (physically, emotionally, spiritually).  Any time someone gives of themselves for a long period of time without finding ways to refuel are in danger of crashing and burning--becoming frustrated or discouraged or just down right too tired to keep going.  Every human being is like this, though some humans can go a much longer time than others depending on how they are wired.  And yet some just won’t admit it for fear it may look weak or ignoble.

What I have learned is that ignoble is to make a commitment, be it a vocation or parenthood or a hobby, and quit in the midst of it or not give 100% because of this reason or another.  If I were to leave ministry or give less than 100% because I was too worn out, then that isn’t anyone’s fault but my own.  The same holds true for parenthood.

So, for all you moms and dads out there, find a way to care for yourself.  Being glued to your kids 24/7 isn’t healthy in the long-run.  Not only can you get worn out and even become unhappy, but you can also lose your identity as a person (and when your kids become independent and leave to start their own life, it can be a tragic time for you). 

I know there are supermoms and superdads who might disagree with me on this, but superpowers are only found in the comic books… even Jesus needed time to himself. 

So let me watch your kids next Sunday and go do what you want.  Even if it is for only 2 hours, it is good statement for Emmanuel to make.  Just be sure you are back at the church at 2:00.  I have a feeling that I’m going to be ready to leave (along with all the men who are going to volunteer to help me).

God is Good,

Pastor Joe