NOT an Excuse...

Last Thursday my mom was sick and she asked me if I could fill in for her as the Director of Cubbies? (Cubbies is the preschool part of the Awana program at our church) After some coaxing on her part, I finally said yes; after all I knew that she really didn't have anyone else who could step in for her and I still find it hard to say no to my mommy. I had also been the Director 5 years ago, so I pretty much knew what I was doing. So I put on my smiling face and dug deep for some exciting energy and went for it. It was a good night, almost everything went as planned and the kids seem to have fun (that's what really counts). As the evening was coming to an end and we were packing up to leave one of the leaders came up and said you should become the Director next year (after this year, my mom is stepping down as the Director). I just smiled and said no, I have 3 little kids and it would just be too much to do this every week. Then we all left and I went home to bed :)

Well on Sunday morning I was in the middle of worship at church at the Lord spoke "Don't you ever use your kids as an excuse again as to why can't serve Me." To be honest I had totally forgotten about my response until the Lord brought it up. The Lord also reminded me of a verse that my brother and recently sent me. 

Psalm 127:3-5

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord,

The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

So are the children of one's youth.

How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;

They will not be ashamed

When they speak with their enemies in the gate.

This caught me so off guard, because I didn't even think twice about what I said. I also know that this is not the first time I have done this. So right there in the middle of worship I had to repent and ask for the Lord's forgiveness. 

Children are a gift from the Lord and they are not to be looked upon as a burden or a reason to not serve the Lord, especially when He tells you to serve. I know that I am not called to be the Cubbies Director as of right now. I feel like God is giving me a different path than that, even though there is a need, I don't feel it is my job to fill it. And now I realized that I should have said just that, instead of using my children as the excuse. 

I know as a mother of 3 small children it can become a bit challenging to find a place to serve that works well with your family, but that doesn't mean you can't. If God has laid something on your heart to do then He will make a way for you to do it and He will give you the strength that you need. Phil 4:13 – I can do all this through him who gives me strength. All you have to do is be ready and willing to be used. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed with just the thought of serving here are a few ideas that came to mind, but you need to take some time and pray to make sure you are doing what the Lord wants you to do before diving in to something: Invite a young mom or young wife over to coffee; start a blog (you will be surprised how many people will read it); babysit some else children so they can have a date night; host a small group at your house; volunteer in your child's class at school or at church. I know these things seem simple and its not like you are reaching thousands of people, but numbers isn't what matters. You serving the Lord is the only thing that matters! Even if you are only reaching one person it counts. Let me tell you that one person, could lead to another person, which could lead to another person and another and another and so on. Just start by being obedient to what the Lord has for you and He will take care of the rest!

God has a plan for you! He wants to use you; are you ready to be used? No more excuse, especially not your children!!!

Romans 12:1 - Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship.