Yes I take care of my family as a mom, as do most moms and dads out there, but I am really serving them? When I think about serving others, such as in mission projects, it is something that I take the time out of my day for. I get enjoyment out of helping or serving someone. It makes a difference in their lives.
Not to downplay all the chores and responsibilities of taking care of a household and a family (b/c it is hard work people!), but I know this:
#1. I am not always doing it with a joyful heart. Many days I dread doing dishes or laundry, and I can't tell you how many times, I would rather be at home relaxing (yeah right!) than taking my kiddos to various activities, especially on those cold rainy days. Not to chase rabbits. but really shouldn't everyone just cancel all activities on cold rainy days? Those should be mandatory sit in front of the fireplace and drink hot chocolate days. I digress.
#2. Do I take time out of my day to focus on these activities with a serving heart? Not really. I just get them done in between other chores and things to do. It's one more check box on my to-do list.
#3. Is it making a difference? Well yes, let's be real, it makes a difference if my children have clean clothes to wear to school or that dinner is made so we aren't hungry, but is it making a difference in my families walk with Christ?
This was when I started brainstorming. How can I serve my family beyond what I already do? How can I turn small moments into Christ-filled ones that feed their heart?
One thing I thought of were little agape gifts. I learned this term from the Emmaus community. Agape describes God's unearned and undeserved love for us. Sounds like grace to me. :)These little gifts can express that love to our children, spouses, and other family members. If you go to Pinterest and look up agape gifts, you can find many examples of these tiny expressions on love that cost little to nothing that always have a verse or meaning attached.
Another way I thought of being able to serve my family is maybe doing something for them that is expected of them to do. Maybe cleaning my children's rooms for them (believe me that is an act of love) or ironing my husband's work clothes (yes, I do not iron my husband's clothes - I believe that the dryer was invented, so I wouldn't have to iron). Doing these things for them unexpectedly and then leaving a note letting them now that I love them. :) Now I wouldn't get into a regular routine of this b/c then it can lose its meaning. Especially with the cleaning the rooms!
A third way is to spend one on one time with each of your family members. Giving them that time alone with you. This is important for both kiddos and spouses! Now here is the tricky part. Do something they want to do, but it cannot involve tv, video games, or movies. Something that is interactive and sparks conversation. What?!? You mean actual words coming out of my mouth, instead of being typed on my phone?!? I know this is hard for some of us (myself included), but I would think that verbal communication with eye contact and interaction, are at the heart of serving someone with quality time. Imagine going to visit someone at a nursing home or hospital and making them sit a watch tv or watch you text on your phone to others. You would never imagine doing that! Consider serving your family with quality time to be the same way. :)
Encourage your kiddos (and spouse) to join in. Help younger kiddos think of ways to serve others in your home and community. You setting the example of serving others starting in your own home is a great way to encourage your children to serve and share God's love, but also look beyond themselves.
Feel free to comment with any ideas you have for serving others in (or out) of your home!
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