The start of a new year is a great time to take a step back and re-evaluate how your life is going. For me as a mom, I try to reflect after bedtime each evening and think on how I can work on myself for my family and start again the following day. Or for most people, the beginning of the year is the time to establish a healthy routine.
Most moms have a lot of goals. Like making sure our family is healthy (spiritually, mentally, and physically), working on what we believe God has called us to do (working, staying at home, etc.), having hobbies and enjoying them (reading, hiking, running, plants, crafting, etc.) There are always things that we want to and need to do. Especially as a military spouse and mom, it can feel like we’re always in the middle of a transition period. Once we are finally settled in a duty station, it’s time to start prepping to move to the next.
If we are following social media’s advice, moms should be getting up at 5 am before their kids wake up, having a devotional or workout, getting breakfast together, getting kids ready for their day, doing chores, working, finding time for ourselves, finding time to focus on the kids (because they are only with us at home for so long), oh yes, squeezing in time for our husbands, and then follow a well thought out skincare routineand get 8 hours of sleep. When I look at my routine and compare myself to these social media guidelines, I fail every single day. It can be so disheartening. I just want my family to remember our lives together as a blessed time.
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11 NIV)
So thankfully we as moms are not required to have it all together. That’s where God has called us to rely on him and trust his plans for us as mothers. We are called to listen to what he has in store for us and our family. I believe that’s the key point to flourishing this year.
As we rely on God, here are some ideas for to help you flourish, supported by the Bible:
1) “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV) Move your body! Go for a walk, get a workout in (gym, at home, etc).
2) ”So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV) Eat something healthy: fruits, veggies, protein. Making sure you eat a well-balanced meal.
3) “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3 NIV) Set a timer and play with your kids for 30 minutes. The time spent with our children will be time we can never get back.
4) “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 NIV)
Take time to read the Bible as much as possible.
5) “Anyone who is hungry should eat something at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment. And when I come I will give further directions.” 1 Corinthians 11:34 NIV)
Enjoy dinner as a family. It can be a good time to review what happened that day and see the great things God is doing in our lives.
6) “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:8-10 NIV)
Find something to enjoy with your kids, free or paid for. Sports events, a park, any of the museums Hampton Roads has to offer. Toddlin’ Around Tidewater can be a great resource for different resources for mothers in Hampton Roads.
7) “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20 NIV)
Find a welcoming Lutheran Church (LCMS) community for the whole family and get connected. Hope Lutheran Church, in Virginia Beach Virginia, is a great place to be a part of. Featuring two church services each week, Sunday School for all ages (with childcare), youth group, mom only time with Mom2Mom, Vacation Bible School in the Summer, and fun family friendly events throughout the year. There are several ways to be involved and be a part of the welcoming family centered community.
Let's Flourish Through Motherhood together this year!