Attention : Conveying appropriate interest, concern, and care; taking notice of others and making an effort to enter into their respective worlds. (1Corinthians 12:25 NASB
We are dedicating this week’s plan to all of our young families – single and married parents! We are especially targeting families with young children. We see you! We notice you! We understand the struggle it can be at times! May we enter your world, even for a few moments? If you are single with children, wouldn’t it be great for someone to care enough to give you a break? If you have no children or none left at home, perhaps you could look around and give a friend (who is a parent) some time to be free to think, to rest, to just “be”.
Mommas, Poppas, life can get a little too predictable when raising a family. You know..little time, little sleep, plenty of frustration swirling around with your incredible love for those little munchkins – all that can produce a whirlpool of mixed emotions. It may seem that your own life gets put on the back burner, and you find yourself just looking for a little attention – certainly an understandable need and very normal to feel. Don’t let Satan bully you into thinking you are being selfish or insensitive to your family just because you need some time for you! You need some attention just as much as the rest of your family.
You may be wondering what to do about it? How do you find time for paying attention to you?
For most Moms and Dads, the risk of spending too much time on your own is not even an issue. The real issue we are addressing today is making at least some time for yourself. And, you will have to be intentional or it may not happen.
This is the perfect time in life to cling even closer to the Lord Jesus! He sees you! He actually wants to give you His attention. You actually can have it any time. He knows and cares. I know, it can be difficult to do a Bible study every day, but you can play some uplifting music, right? Music can be a reminder to you of The Lord. You can walk and pray, or exercise and listen to some Jesus-music. Have a praise “dance party” with your kids! Take a few moments to feed your soul! While they nap, maybe you could too…once in a while. Why not listen to scripture on your headphones while you relax or exercise!
If married, you-Mr or Mrs Spouse- can be a great asset regarding their finding “me” time. Ask your spouse what he/she needs. If it is time alone, make it possible, even for an hour. It is so important for your relationship and your family when these needs are met. Practice asking one another, “What do you need today? How can I help?” When you give your spouse attention, I can’t tell you how life-changing that can be! Pray about some creative things to do and listen to God for answers. He’s very creative!
We talk about “entering the world” of your loved ones. What does that mean? It means that you do things for your loved one that may not be your thing! In doing this, it can say to them, ”You matter to me and I love you”! Does your spouse like sports? Plan an outing – sports related. Does your spouse like to go antiquing? Take him/her antiquing! These simple acts will fill up their love tank! With a young family….that is so important!
You may need to take the kids with you or maybe trade time with another family – you keep theirs at times and they keep yours at other times.
Notice! Pay attention! Love! Fill a need, whether you are the spouse or a friend of a young family. Enter a young Mom or Dad’s world and help them, as they work to raise their family well!
3 Quick Questions:
Question 1: Does God take time to know you and enter your world? When He sent Jesus as “God with Us”, He literally entered our world. When he took up residence in your life and brought you to new life, He entered your world specifically….your own world. Know what that means? You have access to the God of the universe. His Spirit will comfort, encourage, and sustain you even in times when no one else will or can. Had His strong, loving presence not intervened in my life at a time when I was feeling desperately alone – such a failure, my life would be wrecked today. Call on Him. He is with you. Even on your bed as you fall asleep exhausted from the day, let your last thoughts be gratitude for His sustaining you and providing for you and your family….if you have one. Let your first thoughts in the morning when you rise be a prayer of submission to His will and a request that His love carry you into your day. Would you please give Him even a few moments? That is the best investment you could make. One day your stage of life will change, and there may be more time to focus on your own life needs. But even then there will be other things to steal your time away from Him. Start today investing what little time you may have into loving Him with all your heart.
Question 2: See the above description of the availability of time with Jesus and do I Peter 5:6-9 – casting all your cares on Him because He cares for you. Verse 8 will tell you why this is so crucial. Someone is lurking to take your joy and replace it with regret. Don’t let him.
Question 3: Single Men: Take a young dad to lunch or meet for coffee and let him talk about the challenges of being a dad. Single Women: You get the idea. Right? Or what about this, if you are a Dad or Mom, take a friend out for lunch or coffee and have a good conversation about the challenges and rewards of being parents. You will enter their world as you care and pay attention to them.