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Do you feel drained after Sunday?

 



This should be talked about. Based on a recent Instagram poll I did, I think it’s safe to assume that many moms heading to church feel drained after a busy Sunday morning. Or maybe some even pass on church regularity because it’s been too overwhelming. Most of these tired moms probably have little ones, but I really don’t think the age of kids matters. Whether it’s a two year old running around or a fourteen year old who’s embarrassed by you, parenting can be physically and mentally exhausting. 


I think I could easily insert the importance of nursery, giving moms a break, and volunteering in children’s ministry. I could probably stop there and call it good, get some likes, and chalk it up to a nice Facebook post. 


However, I find it deeper than that. 


We feel pressure to give our kids the perfect Sunday outfits, expect them to sit still (dreading inside because we know they won’t), and smile on the outside like the Holy Spirit has worked and we don’t even know the chapter and verse that was preached on. 


But then, we feel neglected when we don’t get help from others. I dare say they may possibly think we to have it all together (because isn’t that the perception we want to give?). 


It still leaves the question, though - Why is the church set-up for moms so disappointing? 


Not only do we put unrealistic expectations on ourselves, but I think we do for church too. “If I could just pay attention to the sermon…” “If my kid would just stop talking…” “If I hadn’t missed that third verse of my favorite song because I had to take my kid to the bathroom…”


But then what? What about Monday? What about Wednesday? What about Saturday?


Don’t misunderstand me. You *need* church. You need fellowship. You need community. You need be joined with a body of believers who have a great vision to edify you and your family and share the Gospel in your community. But those people are not your sole source of spiritual nourishment (and I’m glad about that!). 


I can come to God at any time during my wearisome day, my tears of frustration, or my joy from my children’s laughter. 


Momma, put down the walls of expectations.


Scoop that toddler up when he’s screaming and teach him to raise his hand to worship Jesus during “Amazing Grace.” 

Cry to the Lord when the sermon pricks that hurt part of your heart that longs for a better relationship with your teenager. 


Momma, ask for help. 


You might be surprised how many people really love your kids and miss snuggling their little ones. 

Let your kids be a blessing to others. You’re part of a community. 


Momma, most importantly, fill yourself up every day with Christ.


It’s easy to believe the lie “I don’t have the time.” Make… the… time… God’s Word doesn’t make your circumstances perfect, but That along with the Holy Spirit give you tools to handle those stressful moments with grace. Study it and live by it. 


You need church. Church needs you. It’s always worth it. 

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