The other day I was talking *priorities* with a friend. As we discussed motherhood and family and God and careers and laundry, we kept coming back to the fact that it is hard - I mean, HARD - to keep priorities straight and in line all the time.
It's easy to *name* my priorities in the right order. My list is usually unarguable. However, the way I spend my time doesn't always support (or even relatively match) the order I listed things in.
As a working Momma I'm sure you can guess that I often find taking care of my girls, our family, my house (and all that goes along with a house), and my job often vying for their spot on the list. Unfortunately, at times they are all even vying for first place on the list.
It is my constant resolution to have "more God". More worship. More study. More quiet, contemplative moments. More prayer. More service.
That isn't changing (in fact, it will likely remain my constant resolution, because, let's be honest, I will never reach a point where I've fully reached that goal).
However, I had a "revelation" as I thought back on our conversation.
I live a beautifully busy life. I *DO* need to aim for "more God" by setting aside time for my own growth and relationship with Him. However, I also need to focus on "more God" by placing him as a priority IN each other aspect of my life, instead of as a separate item on my list.
I need "more God" in my marriage. We aim for a God centered marriage - I aim to be a Godly wife - and those things take work. Sometimes it's a prayer for patience or guidance for a situation we share together. Sometimes it's a prayer for patience on our own (ha). Often it's a prayer of thankfulness or a prayer for an open heart and eyes to see the ways I need to be his helpmeet so we can both do better. My marriage isn't separate form God - He is the focus of it.
I need "more God" as I play with my girls. As I teach them. As I take care of them. He needs to be our priority, not just mine ... And goodness knows I need Him to help me be the Momma I want to be! As the girls go through stages I find myself praying for guidance and wisdom. They bring out my prayers for guidance and strength more than anything else I've ever done. My "Momma-hood" is far from separate from God ... It is dependent on Him!
I need "more God" in our home. I need a Godly attitude when doing the laundry and dishes. I need more thankfulness as I go about my "daily duties". I need scriptures written on the bathroom mirror to remind me of the attitude I want to have as I go through my day. I need to sing songs of praise as I fold the laundry. I strive to have a house I can always welcome anyone into - and pray often to get myself together and truly open my home to others. Keeping my house isn't *separate* from God - it needs to be *for* God.
I need *more God* in my job. I have contact with so many people during the day - and I don't always make proper use of that contact. I strive to reach out to others with patience and kindness and a boost of love whenever I can - but I kiss opportunities and I fail to see needs. I pray often for help keeping my opinionated mouth shut and my heart open. I work towards a more God focused and more God reflective attitude. I do not hide my beliefs, faith, and morals, but I sometimes she away from chances to speak out about them ... And I need to do better at that. My job is not *separate* from God, it is a chance to let His light shine.
I *need* more God in my friendships. I often neglect my friendships ... I think because I view them as being "for me" and therefore something that I can set aside when our life is hectic and ai am taking care of my family. However, I am working on reaching out more for a lot of reasons. For my sanity and for others. I have wonderful people in my life and I want them to know I think they are wonderful. We need each other so that we can help one another grow and focus on God. The conversation prompting this post is proof. Friendship isn't *separate* from God, it is a gift from Him and a tool that can help me (and help me help others) for Him!
I think so much comes down to truly *living* a God centered life ... One with Him at the top of the list, but also truly in the center of everything else. Trying to separate God out, or compartmentalize Him, doesn't work. It leads to frustration, not enough time, and, more importantly, it leads to entire areas of my life I'm leaving God out of. What area of my world doesn't need my God? I cannot think of one.
So, while I will continue striving for more quite moments of study and personal growth ... I'm also going to focus on remembering God from moment to moment and looking for all the ways He needs to be right in the middle of all the things I do.
