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Thursday, June 30, 2011

The Heart is the Key

Our sweet youngest granddaughter, photo taken last summer ...

The heart of a child ... so fragile, and of most importance. As mothers, we hold the hearts of our precious children, hearts entrusted to our care and nurturing. It is a sacred trust, and also an overwhelming responsibility at times. 

How do you focus on the heart of a child day in and day out, when your own heart is pulled in so many directions? When the cares of the world (what we will eat, what we will wear, how we will make ends meet, etc.) occupy our minds? Getting meals on the table, keeping our homes clean, meeting our husband's needs, caring for extended family, dealing with conflict and illness ... all these things occupy our minds and hearts. And in the midst of all the busyness swirling around us constantly, the hearts of our children call for our attention.

Such was (and is) the case for me, mother of six (now grown) children. There were times (many) when I would see a heart in need, and I would drop everything to look into tearful eyes and give love and direction. And there were times (more than I like) when I would neglect to stop, and I would miss the moment to deeply love and guide. 

As the busyness of life seems to accelerate more with each passing year, we, as moms, need to pause and remember ... hearts are of most importance.

"Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life."
(Proverbs 4:23 NLT) 

Guarding our children's hearts, and our own hearts. Not just the putting on of outward behavior that will make things look good, but taking the time to tenderly cultivate a healthy heart. 

Cultivating our own hearts takes time ... taking time to slow down, and taking time to listen to the One who made our hearts. And also focusing on listening to each other. The word that I have picked to focus on this year ... listen. The word that brings health to my own heart. And the word that brings health to my (grown) children's hearts, and also to my grandchildren's hearts. 

Pausing, and listening. Even on busy days. Even this next week, when our home will be filled with family. All our grown kids home with their families, my three brothers and their families here (from the east coast and the west coast) ... all gathering to celebrate my father's 90th birthday. Also celebrating our 40th anniversary, as well as my older brother & sister-in-law's 40th anniversary! 

Loving Lord, thank you for the priceless privilege of mothering. And for reminding me again ... in my busyness, to focus on listening. Help us to slow down as mothers, to listen, and to care for hearts. Just as You call for us to pause, and to listen to You ...

"I can do my best handiwork
when you sit in the stillness of My Presence,
focusing your entire being on Me."
(Jesus Calling)

Linked to Imperfect Prose

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Also to Brag on God Friday's

7 comments:

  1. Thank you for these words, Mom. They inspire me to listen more to my sons' hearts.

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  2. Wow! I am SO VERY, VERY challenged! Incredibly!! Thank you for sharing!

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  3. This is fantastic! Thanks for sharing!

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  4. Woah! What versions is that? I'be heard that verse like that before... Much more clarifying than wellsprings. I will be thinking about this all day.

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  5. oh wow. this is beautiful. "listen"... i might just have to adopt this word myself, friend. thank you...

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  6. I love hearing this...and so needed. Our sweet JJ, we realize, is processing so much more about this transition and all the change than he can communicate and I am overwhelmed by his heart, but I haven't really listened in the set apart time to the Lord about it...sending much love to you friend:)

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  7. Dear Cherry, THANK YOU. What a refill you gave to this wearied mommy. ;) I love that last quote you hand picked for us. What a good friend you are. Yes, that one word "listen" is what I do without break with my children -- and I need that refill from Jesus, so I can just be filled again. You're a friend who speaks my heart language, friend! Thank you for this brew. Congratulations on your 40th (how awesome)! And I wish I were there, slipping in among the family and friends who visited you last weekend. I'd love to enjoy your company, mommy of 6 with a beautifully cultivated heart! ;)

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