Intentional with My Time

“I love my child, but I love Jesus more,” I remember when I first brought Elle home from the hospital I came across a newsletter with this title. Of course, I clicked because the title literally grabbed me. Just entering motherhood and seeing these words would catch anyone’s attention, right?

The more I read, the more it began to stick. Yes, even with this sweet smelling baby in my arms who my heart bursts over, I do indeed love her, but yes I love Jesus more. I have to love Jesus more. If I didn’t, there is absolutely no way I can be all the parent Elle needs. She needs me to love Jesus more, so I can give her the best. She needs me for everything – feeding – changing – teaching – discipling – loving! She’s relying on me (and her dad) – for everything!

Truth, I did love Jesus more, but as I adjusted to motherhood, I prioritized my time with Him less and less. Days and weeks would go by without having alone time with Jesus. I’m not talking about a Sunday church service or a bible study or even a small group; I’m referring to one on one space with the one I love the most.

I even began to table my quiet time to milestones with my daughter. I’ll be able to have more quiet time when –
1. she’s sleeping through the night
2. once she moves out of our bed – still hasn’t happened.
3. once she gets into school – and we are still on the waitlist.

There was always something tabling my quiet time to the next “big” moment. The moments would come, the milestones would happen, and there was always ANOTHER reason to postpone my quiet time, like:

sleep deprivation, cleaning the house, folding the laundry, an attempt at dinner and so on.

So, how do I become intentional with my time with Jesus?

Psalm 1:1-3 “Blessed is the one ….. whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever they do prospers.”

The more we delight, the more fruit we bear.
The more we stay connected to our source of nourishment, the more we have to give.

If I desire to “prosper” in every area of my life, I have to plant myself in God’s word and dwell in a place of worship constantly.

So again, how do I become intentional with my time with Jesus?

1. Be honest in prayer. “Jesus, I haven’t done the best with my time. I haven’t used what you’ve given me wisely. Because of this, I am weak, I am easily frustrated, and I need guidance. I need nourishing. Show me areas where I have given too much of my time. Show me those areas that do not bear fruit. In Jesus Name, Amen.”
Saying a prayer as simple as this gives God the chance to change your heart and shape your days according to His perfect plan for you. All God needs from us, is an open heart. Although His will for us is perfect; He will never force it upon us. Instead, He gives us the chance to choose GOOD.

2. Set the tone in your home. Be a keeper of your home. Set the atmosphere for the day. I like to rise before my family, which I will admit is completely tough; I enjoy sleep. However, I have my days when I WIN. On those days, I usually play my favorite worship music and start my day, while starting laundry or tidying up the house. Just a few minutes of worship really really helps.

3. Be the light. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 Even in her young age, Elle is watching, learning, and mimicking. If I pray for her to be the light, then I must model this at home. My first ministry and my first commitment is to my home – my family. So, I must show Elle what it looks like to seek after Jesus with all my heart and all my soul.

I pray that you find a few practical steps in this blog and commit with me to WIN with your time and become more intentional.

I’d love to hear back from you, share your comments below.

XO, Carm W.