Last Updated on March 20, 2018
As a mom of young children, I can find myself sighing — too often, actually. The cries for “more milk,” “help me,” and “read to me,” can seem endless. And, all too often, I sigh because I’m being interrupted or delayed in a household task or a homeschooling assignment.
I’m not talking about ecstatic or contented sighs. I’m talking about that back of the throat, disgusted kind of sigh. You know the one.
Recently, I was reminded how God stoops without sighing. I can’t remember where I initially heard that metaphor, but it’s a powerful one in my mind.
[pullquote]And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)[/pullquote]
God reaches down to humanity, similar in how we moms reach down to our little ones. He is so much bigger, so much more powerful, as we are larger-than-life to our children. And like our babies before they can crawl, we are helpless without Him.
Yet, when He reaches down to us, He does so without sighing. He is not irritated or disgusted. He is hindered in no way. He loves us with a perfect love. And it’s His joy to help us and to serve us.
That is the kind of parent I desire to be: to help my children with an open heart, not to feel hindered by their interruptions, and to see filling their requests as part of my parental privileges. But sometimes this is easier said than done.
What can I do when I’m tempted to sigh?
1. I can take a deep breath — Waiting before I respond often gives me time to rethink my actions.
2. I can count my blessings — Over the last 13 years, I’ve had my share of fertility struggles. What a blessing that God has granted me these precious children. A momentary struggle to pour some milk with a good attitude is just that — momentary. But my children are for eternity.
3. I can remember His promises — I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.
4. I can go to Him — Taking a few moments to pray can change my perspective. He will give us all that we need.
While we cannot be perfect mothers, He will give us all we need for the task at hand. What joy!
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Ah, sweet conviction. Praise the Lord for it. I also nearly always have to remember Phil 2:3 “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind REGARD ONE ANOTHER AS MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOURSELVES,” and Phil 2:14-16 “Do all things WITHOUT GRUMBLING or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.” Now off to do dishes without sighing.
Thanks.
Nodding along… (can you hear my head rattle? 😉 ) Such great reminders. And oh so true. I very purposefully prayed for patience and stillness today and it’s made a world of difference in my time with my children vs., say, yesterday. *ahem* Thank you for this.
Great article. I like your suggestion, "I can take a deep breath – Waiting before I respond often gives me time to rethink my actions." since it will help you to feel less overwhelmed.
This week the Lord gave me new purpose in the way I treat my children when I serve them. I want to serve them the way I want them to serve me when I am older -when they have to take care of me, wash me, feed me, help me to the bathroom, or maybe change MY diapers. When I am feeble and weak and dependent on them for their care, I want them to serve me with love and patience and understanding. So, I continue to fight down my own flesh, my own frustration and my own selfishness, and try to respond with love and grace. Thank you for your beautiful thoughts.
Dear Jessica – your words are a breath of fresh air and have added sweetness to my day! Thanks for the gentle reminder and the words that are rolling around in my head “God stoops without sighing” – oh yeah – love, love! Blessings… and a big o’ hug!
“It’s His joy to help us and to serve us.” I wish I could say I always help and serve my children with joy, but I don’t. Thank you for the reminder of how to follow His example with my children.
I realized I had a problem w sighing when my 4yo would heave these big long exaggerated sighs when we asked him to do something. Great post! Thanks.
Oh how I needed this post in my life right now! My 3 year old is going through a super needy phase, and I’ve been praying for patience several times a day (if not more). I too struggled with infertility, and I need to remember that this little boy of mine is such a blessing! In the day to day constant requests (no, make that demands), sometimes that’s easy to forget. No more sighing! Time to start helping him with an open heart!
Thank you for this message today! You actually expanded upon the thought that ran across my mind this morning as I was trying not to start the day with a negative attitude towards the constant interruptions I was already experiencing. My thought was that I have these kids who will be little for such a short time, then they won’t need or want my help as often. I don’t want to sigh their younger years away! I’ve also experienced pregnancy loss, so I am truly thankful for these that God has allowed me to care for daily – I just sometimes need a little attitude readjustment and today it came in blog form! Thanks again 🙂
thank you for this! i needed to read this. i am struggling with balancing fulltime work (hopefully ending soon!) and raising our 8-month old. i feel tired all the time and frustrated all the time. i feel guilty when i get annoyed with him wanting something, or me to have his attention.
i hear so many people struggling to even HAVE a child, and i need to remember how blessed i am to be his mama.
so thanks again!
I needed this refreshing message! Praise God for His grace abounds! I struggled with grumbles this morning (repeat offense) with my 3 year old's needing assistance…and YES, I know she needed it. But sad to say I fall short in the service department.."Lord I'm a work in progress. Only through you Lord, will I learn a joiceful spirit! In jesus name, Amen!" Have a Lord rejoicing day everyone! And thank you for sharing the God's Word!!!
A great article. I’m going to remember this illustration next time I’m tempted to sigh.
Great article! I am guilty of sighing and never realized it until my two-year old began to sigh….I will be taking all the suggestions and applying them immediately!!! Thanks so much!
This is a great post. As a SAHM mom of 3, my youngest just 5 months old, and born just a year and day after her brother now 17 months. Patience is tested daily in my house. A great post to remember to look at the brighter side of things.
So beautiful. Thank you.
I believe that this would also be great to use when my boss interupts me. However I do not love my boss unconditionally so it may take a little more prayer!