As parents, morning routines can often seem like an endless checklist. Maybe your mornings look something like mine. You wake up, exercise (not me—who has time for that?), shower, get dressed, read the Bible, pray, and then wake up the kids. This is when the fun really starts. You get them dressed, which at my house resembles a circus side show of mischievous monkeys running circles around the ring leader. A steady whirlwind of pants, shirts, socks, snow pants, jackets, boots, hats, and mittens barrage through the house, covering every surface in its path. Trying to actually get an article of clothing on the child requires at least a Bachelor's degree in Engineering. Finally getting into the car feels like an accomplishment comparable to an Olympic medal. But the finish line is never crossed; it'll happen all over again the next day.
Being a mom is exciting and brings me joy and passion. But, a stressful morning routine brings just the opposite. Having to care for my kids who can't take care of themselves yet is exhausting, whether it's the morning routine, preparing meals, laundry, dishes, haircuts, birthday parties, and on and on the list goes. If I'm not careful, I can start my day and my kids' days with the wrong tone. I have to be super intentional about my pace, my attitude, and the tone I'm setting.
Recently in my moms' group, we watched a video from the series It Starts At Home, and teacher Gary Thomas read the end of Matthew 25. Starting in verse 35, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me." Then in verse 40 it says, "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Thomas draws the parallel for parents. The "least of these" includes our children who are dependent on us to survive. When we feed our children, clothe them, and comfort them, we're actually feeding, clothing, and comforting God's precious children. God knows the major cost we pay to serve our children. It may seem like a thankless job, but with each day that our homes are filled with love, even in the smallest tasks, a foundation is being built for them. This foundation is what they need to be successful in life, and even more importantly, open to making a decision to follow Jesus. And just when I'll get this morning routine thing all figured out, my kids will learn to do it themselves, and the last time I buttoned their shirt will have already passed without notice. Here's to cherishing these sweet times when the days are long but the years are short.
