As moms, we are no strangers to the daily tasks and weighty responsibilities it takes to raise our children. We are often pulled in multiple directions from soothing an infant to calming a toddler tantrum to reasoning with an older child as they are gaining and practicing their independence. It can seem our straining and striving are barely getting us by, much less making a substantial eternal impact. Yet, when we look at how the Lord works, it is often the small and simple that bares the significant.
Moses raised a staff and the Red Sea was parted.
David gathered five stones and a giant was defeated.
A child offered five loaves and two fish and a multitude was fed.
And even from the beginning, when Adam and Eve were first assigned to work and maintain the garden of Eden, they were simply working and cultivating what God had already created and set into motion.
In a recent sermon I heard, their assignment from God was effectively summed up: any work where order is brought from chaos is “Eden work”. If that’s not the role of a mom, I don’t know what is!
Each of these instances reveals the reality of something small and simple becoming something significant when placed in the hands of the Lord. In the same way, could it be that our everyday activities and hectic schedules are in no way minuscule or monotonous but rather a chance for God to do the miraculous?
But how do we go about ensuring the simple tasks we are doing produce the significant results we are hoping for? With never ending to do lists and frenzied carpools it can seem overwhelming to add on another thing to think about. In order to help, the following are three areas for consideration and inspiration – seek, see and seize.
1.) To “seek” means “to attempt to find something”.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 ESV
As we seek the kingdom, we seek opportunities to do His work here on earth. We become willing to have our lives and plans interrupted for the sake of His. We exchange our momentary schedule for His everlasting agenda.
Such prioritizing of the kingdom may not always come naturally so it has to start with and stem from humility. It takes praying for the Holy Spirit to transform our heart to desire what His heart desires. It takes laying down our strategies in parenting and asking the Lord for His predetermined plans for our children.
2.) To “see” means “to perceive with the eyes or discern visually”.
“When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, ‘Woman, you are freed from your disability.’”
Luke 13:12 ESV
“When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him ‘Do you want to be healed?’”
John 5:6 ESV
Jesus was attentive to see the woman with a disabling spirit before healing her. Likewise, he noticed the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda whom so many people passed by without a glance.
In Philippians 2, Paul teaches us to count others more significant than ourselves. He challenges us to not look only to our own interests. But yet again, being able to see the needs of those around us takes supernatural vision and asking the Lord to help open our spiritual set of eyes. This is especially true when it comes to seeing the deepest needs of our children.
3.) To “seize” means “to take an opportunity eagerly and decisively”.
“…for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:13 ESV
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9 ESV
In these verses Paul encourages us to continuously look for ways of doing good to everyone as we have opportunity. Admittedly, this can be a struggle because even after we’ve done the difficult part of aligning our hearts and opening our eyes, we can end up talking ourselves out of actually taking action. And as moms we no doubt experience bouts of weariness that can squash even our best intentions.
Therefore, to achieve anything of true value as we parent, we must pray for direction from the Lord to know how to seek, see and seize on a daily basis. As we do, we can trust that in His power He will turn our simple efforts into the significant outcomes He accomplishes.
So how can we be intentional about this in our everyday moments as mothers? Seeking things above may simply be putting aside our phones or other distractions and focusing in on connecting with our children in their space and at their level. Seeing the true spiritual needs of our child may look like offering to pray with them and have a meaningful conversation after they have had a difficult day. Seizing the opportunity may appear like filling a sippy cup of water for the twentieth time in a day and realizing we are serving the Lord’s kingdom by serving the “least of these.”
And as we focus on trying to seek, see and seize, the Lord will provide an abundance of opportunities to transform the simple into the significant throughout our journey of motherhood.
Are you interested in learning more about how to “seek, see, and seize” opportunities as a mother? Listen to the podcast below and discover practical ways to reflect God’s character and grace in your family.
At MomQ we believe that motherhood is a calling from God. While it is both a privilege and an honor, it is by no means easy! Moms have a lot of questions/concerns and need caring support along their journey. Whether you are a brand new mom or a little more seasoned, MomQ is here to help you fulfill your God given role. Don’t see a group in your area? Contact us today about starting one in your community!
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