Home… Your First Ministry

Do you ever go through your days wondering how you will get it all done? Your schedule is so jammed packed that you aren’t sure if it’s even possible to get from one activity to the next without forgetting a kid at the soccer field? Four cups of coffee later and you have a headache from caffeine overload and you’re still so tired it hurts to breathe.

You are NOT alone.

Some days seem downright impossible. I am a mom of 4. All of my children have their own interests and activities. Their schedule is overwhelming and so is mine.

Proverbs 31:28 says, “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” NIV

When we prioritize our schedules, are well rested, and intentional about the way we spend our time, our children and husbands are able to see God at work in us. We glorify Him in our mannerisms, peace, and radiant love instead of going through life overwhelmed, tired and strung out.

So how on earth are we to be the best mom and wife to our kids and husbands?

They deserve the BEST of us, not the rest of us. We need to prioritize a few things in order for us to be the best mom and wife that God has called us to be.

We go to bed on time, making sure we get adequate sleep.

This is a tough one. The dishes and laundry can wait. The average person needs 8-10 hours in order to fully function. Set a bedtime and do your best to adhere to that time.

We get up early and get into God’s word.

Getting in the word every morning sets the tone for our day. It gives us perspective for life and the day ahead. We can better navigate life’s throws because we are grounded in His word, His truths, and His promises.

We ensure that each activity on the schedule matches our best yes.

Does everything on your schedule deserve a yes? If you say yes to a particular activity will that give you less intentional family time? Rate each ask of you. Is it a 5 out of 5; meaning you CAN’T wait to do this?

We greet our husband when he comes home just like our dog would do.

You laughed, didn’t you. I’m serious. Think about how your dog greets you when you come home. He acts as if he hasn’t seen you in weeks. Always happy, there’s almost a visible grin from ear to ear. That should be our response to our husband as well.

Go on after dinner walks with your husband and/or your kids.

When we get out of the house, put the electronics and distractions to rest, we open up opportunities for conversation and bonding. I find that nightly walks with my husband and children give us a chance to unwind, talk about our day, and just connect.

Get the kids to bed so you and your husband can have alone time.

This may be difficult, and you might need to be intentional about strict bedtimes. Alone time is important. Which leads me to the next one.

Date your husband

Find a responsible babysitter that you can rely on. This is so important. We make sure that we have a weekly date and semiannual overnight trip planned. Being able to connect with your husband with zero distractions helps you remember why you chose him in the first place.

Repeat, repeat, repeat

Our home becomes our 1st priority when we are well rested, in God’s word, being super intentional about our best yes, and connecting well with our family. Let’s do everything in our power to protect our time and intentions with the ones we love most.

The world will try its best to fill our to do lists and schedules. It doesn’t matter how many people you serve at church or how many promotions you get at work if you are too exhausted to love your people well. We must stake claim over our schedules and our priorities. Our family takes precedence over any other commitment. Therefore, becoming our first ministry and obligation. 

Sister, life is busy. We fill our calendars and end our days in overwhelm. If we aren’t careful, we’ve given the world our best and given the most important people in our lives the rest. Our family and the people within our home are our first ministry. Let’s take back our time and energy and place it where it really matters, within our people.