Motherhood and Dealing with Constant Interruptions

But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray [in seclusion]. Luke 5:16

Last week, I tried having my Bible Devotion in the living room because I heard someone say the children should see you reading your Bible and it sounded like wise advice, so I gave it a try. Let’s just say I now understand why Peter went out all the way onto of the roof top to pray. Out of sight, out of reach and all alone. Peter went up on the roof of the house to pray. Acts 10:9
I was literally interrupted every 3 minutes. This reminded me of a clip that a friend shared which said the average Mom is interrupted about every 3 minutes.

Finally, I gave up and took my Bible reading to a more secluded place, aka my bathroom. I guess only Daddy has the privilege of reading his Bible in the living room uninterrupted.

On the other hand, I love that the children know that they can come to me anytime for anything and they will have my ear.

However, as they grow and mature, I now need wisdom on how to train them on reading the room, learning how to wait for a more opportune time and how to show respect for what others are doing as well. Teaching them to think of others and not just themselves. To judge and know when it is an emergency and Mom can and should be be interrupted versus when what they have to say can wait until Mom has finished reading her Bible and spending time with God. They like to say if they wait, they will forget, so this training has the added bonus of them acquiring the much needed skill of memory retention.

Where there is a will, there is a way. Having a consistent personal time of Bible reading and prayer may mean getting up half an hour earlier to pray while the children are still sleep, utilizing naptimes and quiet times or the last hour of your day after everyone has gone to bed. What is important is that this vital time with God is consistent.

Just as a father loves his children, So the LORD loves those who fear and worship Him [with awe-filled respect and deepest reverence]. Psalm 103:13

[The LORD answered] “Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Isaiah 49:15

Having children and families was never meant to draw us away from our consistent, intimate communion with our God in Bible reading, worship and prayer. Rather, it serves to give us a deeper understanding of God’s love, devotion and affection for us. The love a parent has for their child is fierce. Think about what you would do for your child, the lengths you would go, now multiply that by a gazillion because that is how fiercely God loves you.

So, if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Matthew 7:11

I noticed that once I give the children my complete, undivided attention at the start of the day, no phone, no quick chores while we talk but sitting down with them, making eye contact, hugging them and letting them connect with me deeply fills their tank up. It gives them a sense of grounding and security that we all crave as human beings because we were created for community and family. Once their tank is full, they are more content to go about their own activities like playing or reading a book for a more extended period of time.

May God give us wisdom as Moms and parents on how to strike that balance between holding our children close, which is vital for their sense of belonging and teaching them a grounded sense of independence which they will need to thrive out in the world as adults.