Once upon a time I got up every morning at 6:30 am, made myself a mug of gourmet coffee, and sat on my front porch reading my Bible. It was a time when I could sit alone in the quiet of nature and drink in the day. Within the hour, my two children would wake up and my day as a single parent would begin (this was during the time my husband was deployed); these early morning hours were precious to me.
Somewhere amidst moves to homes without front porches and babies being born every year or so, I ceased to partake of this morning coffee and Bible time. Lately, I’ve longed to reclaim something resembling what I used to enjoy…(however, I’m thinking I would enjoy it much more if it wasn’t at 6:30! Yes, I know some of you are up MUCH earlier than that…have mercy on this night owl!)
I used to be one of those moms who beat herself up over the gradual loss of early morning quiet time, especially considering I *used* to do it (someone forgot to mention to me that back then I only had 2 children and they weren’t either of them babies). I was just sure the Lord required a perfect offering of
me,
alone,
early in the morning,
reading His Word
and praying…
yet, I could never manage ALL those factors ALL at the same time. I was just sure this qualified me as a bona fide failure.
Recently, my friend Cis and I were discussing this very issue. She had been reading Passionate Housewives Desperate For God by Jennie Chancey & Stacy McDonald and had come across the chapter entitled “Weary Women”. The following quote is exactly what has become of my “quiet time”:
“I’ll let you in on a little secret. I don’t have a personal quiet time every morning that is actually quiet or alone, nor do I know anyone with more than two children who does.”
You see, quiet time has evolved into something more befitting a mother of 5 earthly arrows. My Bible reading is done with nearly everyone in tow. We all pray together several times a day. I still have coffee, but my littles sneak their fair share of it. And, you guessed it, I’m not up at 6:30 (at least not on purpose!)
I do believe the Lord deserves our first fruits. However, I also believe He owns ALL our fruits and every little thing I do throughout the day is (or should be) an offering to Him. And because He has given me these arrows to raise, I am also in a position that naturally brings about multi-tasking…not only am I getting “quiet” time with God, but my children see His importance in my life every step of the way.
There is a hymn entitled Little Is Much When God is in It that has become my theme song. The second verse of this hymn says:
Does the place you’re called to labor seem so small and little known? It is great if God is in it, and he’ll not forget His own.
Little is much when God is in it! Labor not for wealth or fame. There’s a crown and you can win it, if you go in Jesus’ name.
There is not some secret formula involving coffee, a study Bible, and a front porch that makes quiet time more legitimate than what I currently enjoy…
me,
all the kiddos,
mid-morning,
reading from one of the children’s Bibles,
listening to and offering my own personal prayers.
Perfect!
HappyascanB says
I love the idea of a family prayer time. Your arrows will definitely benefit from your investment!
Lynnette Kraft says
May I just say AMEN! Life changes as we are at the mercy of children’s schedules (or lack of). I used to have my personal – alone – time and it too has ceased. My bible time, prayer time, etc. consists of small little tidbits throughout the day. It includes reading out of the kids story bible. It involves late night glimpses at scripture. Whatever…whenever I can get it!
Yes, those days of gourmet coffee, the bible, and alone time on the front porch (I had a similiar routine) are gone for now, and I cherish those memories, but I’m content where I am – and I’m so glad you are too. We are in a blessed place sister, and someday we’ll wish we were here again. Perspective! Perspective! Perspective! (in the tune of Tradition! Tradition!…..Tradition! hee hee)
Love ya.
Lynnette
Debbie says
Wow; this post was very good! It’s the first time I’m visiting you but I’m glad I came by. Today is the first time I participated in this meme. And btw, thanks for your comment on Heart Choices.
I love that you wrote “my children see Him importance in my life every step of the way”. That speaks volumes about your relationship with the Lord. Don’t beat yourself up trying to fulfill an ideal. Your heart says more about your love for God.
I happen to be a morning person but I also don’t have little children. So, coffee and quiet time are much easier for me.
But for this season in your life, a different habit can be established that works better for you. I really enjoyed reading your memory lane post today.
Jennifer says
Thank you for such encouraging words for a tired mommy! I think I have had trouble viewing this as a season of life (because it seems neverending!) and being content with what I am able to do in each moment. Thanks for perspective on that!
Holly says
I have wished for some quiet time to read my Bible and draw closer to God but this made me realize that it doesn’t have to be still and quiet for me to do that. Thanks!
Linda says
Amy,…I have more uninterrupted time,… and I still sometimes miss my quiet times. At least you have a good reason! ((smile)).
I just want to say that I am so amazed at how all of you young, homeschooling mothers, with several children, can achieve all that you do every day. It must be simply because God is helping you. (:>)
You and Lynnette live out your love for God, and for your husbands and family, each and everyday,…because you do it all for the good of the family and for the glory of God.
Be encouraged in the Word whenever you can. Keep a bible in the bathroom if need be. But God sees all and knows all,…and He knows your heart and your love for Him.
Keep on keepin’ on,…Blessings!
Linda @ Truthful Tidbits
Sally-Ann says
I am having a complete memory loss at the moment, but your post reminded me of a scripture about there being a time and season for all things. At least I think it is a scripture, like I said, my brain…….
Anyway, I enjoyed your post very much, it is a very good reminder.
Lilyofthevalley - Tanya says
Thank you for sharing that today. Just what I needed to read today. 🙂
Verna says
How neat it would be to have some quiet time…. Oh,yes, so what’s my excuse? No children to keep me from doing my quiet time anytime I want. Yet I find my best quiet time on lunch hours in the park when at all possible.
whimzie says
Thank you for reminding me that a quiet time that isn’t quiet is better than no time at all. When I wait for the right moment and the right environment, I end up missing out on my time at all. I needed this today. Again, thanks.
A Frye says
Your words spoken from a mom of many! I love it. Thanks for your post!
Jen Holm says
I must admit that I off and on get into these guilt trips of not having the morning quiet time. Those were some sweet times, but then again they were sweet because even though I was praying and reading the Word, it was pleasing to ME and I could applaud MYSELF for doing my Christian check list…and it’s not about me or us….it’s always about Jesus Christ. And Christ ought to be in all and everything we do (though I fall short). And he has tought me about praising and worshiping him amongst my life with my littles.
In fact one of my most FAVORITE times of day is at the breakfast table I do “table bible study” From an old used and passed over book called “Leading Little ones to God” And reading it to my children and even straying from the text often to illustrate the message of the study with more simplicity fit for a 3 year old and being animated to keep her attention and even grasp the attention of my 2 year old. Then I aks open ended questions, read the bible verse and wnd with a quick prayer. Usually I’m still in my robe, hot coffee with me and often my baby on my lap. And as precious as alone quiet time is….so is this time with my people…my little crew.
Many times reading this book or another one to them I have come to tears giving thanks and having those soulful reminders of his love
And my daughter gets to see me get all weepy and knows that mommy sometimes cries praying to Jesus. It’s real, it’s best. And I see it now in her life as she gets close to 4, how receptive she is.
Amy says
Beautiful! These will be memories you cherish!