In the same way as we are responsible for the nurturing of our children’s souls, so are we responsible for the nurturing and care of our own souls.

 

Sarah Mae, author of Desperate:  Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe

The Constipated School Marm

I mentioned recently that I was praying for the Lord to “bless” me with “soft words.  Kind hands.  Encouraging dialogue.  That I might radically affect the mood of my house.”  Seriously, sometimes I sound like a constipated school marm.

This prompted some serious contemplation in my consciousness this past weekend.  So much so that I chose the opportune moment for reflective conversation during a family bike ride to ask the Engineer if he thought that me being in the Word of God more, would cause my words and intonation to be on the kinder and gentler side of things. (That was a fabulously long sentence.)

Brilliant question, I initially thought.  Excellent opportunity for discussion – especially since I was no longer pulling the bike carrier.

I don’t think he had a clue as to what to say because the answer is so obvious.  In fact, I don’t remember if he even responded. 

OF COURSE studying God’s word and applying it to my life would begin to erase old habits and replace them with new and gentle ones.  It’s scriptural. 

Renewing the Mind

Consider the following verses:

• Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
• Romans 8:6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.
• Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

I Feel Guilty For Nurturing My Soul

Sometimes I feel guilty for nurturing my soul.  And other times I am quite greedy about it, like Gollum. 

Sally Clarkson encourages the investing in our souls, though.  She writes,

The more time you  invest in each of these virtues {i.e. the fruits of the spirit, etc.} in your own personal life, the more you will be able to give back to your children from the wealth of experience you have amassed. 

 

Desperate:  Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe

Don’t feel guilty for nurturing your soul. 

It’s that simple. 

By investing in Bible study, prayer, Scripture memorization, certain Biblical conferences – we are investing in our children . . . providing ample material for a lasting legacy and inheritance for our children. 

How Will You Invest In Your Soul to Affect Your Children?

Me?  I need to be more faithful about writing the Word, memorizing Scripture, and honest and vulnerable prayer – the kind where I actually listen. 

What do YOU need to do to control that quick tongue of yours?  Or that sharp hand?  Or that selfishness that won’t allow you to get out of your chair to get something for your child?

(By the way, this was my Chapter 12 discussion of Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe, along with Amanda from The Pelsers.)

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