My Kids Are Not An Inconvenience


I started this post yesterday and then scrolled Facebook after creating the image above. What I saw on my news feed just affirmed to me that this post is necessary.

Someone had posted a video of a husband and wife texting back and forth. She was filling him in on her plans for going out to a movie with friends and his main concern was the kids. The attitude that unraveled really broke my heart.

With numerous f-bombs and discouraging statements to and about one another could have been taken as playful banter, but once they began talking about "these kids" my heart began to tear. The couple was making their children out to be a huge inconvenience, and this nuisance that neither one of them wanted to deal with.

While I can surely relate to the mom's exhaustion of needing a break, and the dad wondering what to do with the kids, it struck me how inconvenient our society has made children out to be.

We have a friend that frequently says things like, "Well, it was your choice to have kids..." when we mention not being able to do something or how things are more difficult to do when we are trying to make plans.

Yes, it is true, it was our choice, it was also our calling.

Which is what makes our children so important, rather than an inconvenience.

Our children become an inconvenience when we stop looking at them as a ministry and a privilege, and more as these little burdens and leaches that suck us dry.

I think back to the disciples trying to shoo the children away from Jesus after he's been bogged down all day with people and talking.

Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away. Matthew 19:13-15 ESV

I can TOTALLY appreciate what they were trying to do for Jesus.


But then I am convicted that at the end of the day, that is entirely what I want to do with my kids. I don't want to draw them near and snuggle and tell them stories. I want them to sit down, shut up and let me have a break. Sorry for the harsh words - you get the idea though, right?

Perhaps if I took more time to draw my children near and show them a better version of Jesus than I have been. Perhaps if I quieted my own desires and thought more about my mission and ministry of teaching and raising my children instead of feeling like they are just in my way all the time...

Perhaps then, my home would be more peaceful, my heart would be softer, and the world would greater see what a non-inconvenience children are.

Because in reality, they are truly enjoyable little creatures. It's like having a funny pet that can actually help you when you need it and express love out loud. They are all so unique and interesting if we take the time to enjoy and appreciate them.

What do you do to keep your heart from becoming inconvenienced by your children?




English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

2 comments

  1. I'm at that stage where kids are a real possibility in the next few years. Part of me does think of the inconvenience, but you've reminded me afresh that raising these little ones will be a privilege (although crazy busy, I'm sure!)

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    1. I'm so glad that this post spoke to you! <3 it is definitely an adventure that we have to actively stretch our "faith muscle" for! :)

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