I just wanted a few moments of “alone time”….just a few moments to get some things done around the house. As a mom of 3 children 6, 5, and 1 and finding those moments can be difficult. There is always something else that needs to be cleaned, picked-up or put away…always something or someone else who needs my attention. Such was the case the other day. I was busy. I had a lot on my plate and no time for detours. Ever been there?
I was busy getting ready to “serve” and I didn’t feel I had time to stop, slow down and serve yet another “need” that was wanting my attention. Only when I slowed down and actually looked at who was wanting my attention…..it was my sweet, sensitive Addie. What was her need? She wanted some mommy time. She wanted to sit in my lap and be held and loved on. She wanted me to read and play with her. She needed her cup filled up and she wanted me to be the pitcher. I had a choice. Do I sacrifice my wants, my desires? Do I sacrifice my to-do list, my “can’t get this all done if I stop now” feeling of needing everything to be just in the right place? Do I sacrifice my desire of wanting my house to look perfect? Or do I choose HER?
What would Jesus do?
In Ephesians 5:1-2 we read: “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
How did Christ love? He gave Himself up as an offering and sacrifice to God.
I’m learning in life that love and obedience have more to do with my actions than my feelings. Even when I don’t feel like loving…..do it anyway. Even when I don’t feel like obeying….do it anyway. Even if I don’t feel like stopping and meeting a need….do it anyway. Feelings are misleading. They change depending on the day or circumstance…..but God’s truth never does. He calls us to live a life of love.
What does living a life of love look like?
We are called to imitate Christ. Jesus sacrificed His life so we might live. His love for us is the reason He was obedient….even unto death. Loving others well involves loving sacrifice. Sacrificing our wants and desires for the better of others, whether its our husbands, children, family or friends. Living our life in sacrifice and service. If we are to be imitators of Christ, we need to love and sacrifice like He did.
This is not always an easy road to travel. It’s counter to how the world tells us to live. The world tells us to live for ourselves, to please our wants and desires. That “if mama ain’t happy, ain’t no buddy happy.”
Taking this journey will look different for each individual. But our life of love needs to move beyond our feelings of affection for another to self-sacrificing service for another.
If we are to imitate Christ, then we need to serve like Christ. Jesus was a servant leader. He washed dirty, smelly, tired feet as a service to his disciples. He saw a need and He met it. As mothers and wives we are given the same opportunities. How will you be Jesus to your family today?
That day I chose to sacrifice my wants and desires.
I stopped. I looked. I held. I listened. I hugged and kissed that little girl.
I became a “pitcher” that day and Jesus used me to fill her back up.
To be honest with you……I wouldn’t want my life any other way.
What are some ways that you can be a "pitcher" today to your family?
Love God Greatly!
-Angela
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