Let’s talk about motherhood. Motherhood is chaotic, unpredictable, full of challenges, and so much love. There is a reason God created women with the ability to multitask. Women are constantly serving. We are constantly pouring out. We are either pouring out good or bad.

I have four kids as of today. And three of those kids are three and under. They have immediate needs, desires, and usually, I am the one they run to. As I’m writing this, I have my 2 year old on my lap. And my three year old is climbing around right next to me.

Distraction

I am very protective of my time. Because I am aware that whatever I put in will come out. I personally do not sit on the phone very often around my children. First of all, these moments I will never get back. And whatever Sally is wearing or driving doesn’t concern me. Next, distraction doesn’t bring a good reaction. If I’m distracted and there is chaos, I can become irritated with my children for no reason. But there is another reason for this as well that is more important. If I’m constantly taking in information, my mind is not at rest. If my mind does not rest, I will always feel overwhelmed. And if I’m overwhelmed, I’m not able to function to be the mom my children need. Nor am I able to fully enjoy my children.

As moms, we set the environment of our home. We can bring peace that flows out of us. Or we can add to the already busy lives that fill our home. This world is running at 1000 miles an hour. But we don’t have to partake.

Mornings

The best way that I stay in peace is by starting my mornings off with the Holy Spirit. I attempt to do this as much as possible before anyone else is awake. I wake up, take a moment to pray, read the word, and spend time enjoying God’s presence. I NEED that time daily. That time is vital to me. Because every morning I’m reminded of Who’s I am, and in whom I am.

It’s one of the biggest things I can control. My morning. And once that sets me up for the day, as the chaos of motherhood goes on, I’m able to stay at peace. Waking up early is not easy. But I simply pray, “Lord please wake me up early so I can spend time with you before anyone else is awake.” And He does.

The world may be going at an overwhelming rate. But our homes don’t have to. Our home is a safe place and a sanctuary for our families. We set the environment. And starting our day in the Lord’s presence will only bless us and those around us.

And if the kids are all coming to me and all need something at the same time, I can breathe and remind myself that this is just a moment. Then face each situation with peace.

What we put in, we get out

I remember being at a youth conference many years ago. There was a pastor who spoke about our ability to hear God’s voice. He described the ears of our hearts like a pipe. And the more junk we take in, the fuller that pipe gets. As that pipe is fuller, it’s harder to hear the Holy Spirit. But if we have a clean pipe, nothing blocks our ability to hear from God.

The thing is, when I was a teenager, the noise was a lot quieter. There were no shorts, social media, etc. there were tv and the radio. Now we have all of the above! And on top of that, all of the above is attached to our hip! Our minds are so polluted with noise, and now we have to intentionally live without it.

Hearing God’s voice

If we want to hear God’s voice, we have to be still. We have to seek Him wholeheartedly. We have to be purposeful. We have to choose Him above the noise. I don’t mean this in a systematic, work-based way. This is by faith. Because only with faith do we get access to this.

We are called to live on purpose. We are called to be faithful with what the Lord has given us. He’s given us time, energy, and children. God has called us to have purpose in how we seek Him. Purpose in who we are. And the purpose of who we raise them to be.

I want to encourage you. Life is more than social media and popularity. That will all die with everything else at the end of age. But the eternal work we do in our homes will live forever. You mama, are called to make a difference in the world. It starts in our homes. I pray that God gives you the desire and strength to know Him, be known by Him, and to raise kids that run after Him with EVERYTHING.