On getting so you can give

By onlinesoph

Mia Freedman over on mamamia writes about raising young children without losing her mind.

For her, it’s about having a life outside of her kids. She says:

“As mothers, I think it’s the life we have outside our children that helps us be better mothers. It certainly works that way for me. That doesn’t mean it has to be a job that pays money. It might just be a trip to the supermarket with the ipod at 9:30pm at night as SoccerMum does.

I recently read an interview with Kate Langbroek- pregnant with her 4th child and someone I admire very much – where she said she firmly believes in mothers taking time for themselves. She said that there is so much giving involved in mothering that doing something for herself (for her, it’s going to the gym a few times a week) is vital if she doesn’t want to become resentful.

I relate to that. For me it’s also exercise. And writing. My column, my book, this blog, Twitters….whatever. That fills me up so I can provide the intense level of attention that children require. And do it with love. What do you do so you can keep giving?”

I like this question – What do you do so you can keep giving?

Along the same lines as a post I wrote a while ago on doing less and having time for more, I’m wondering if this question can also be posed in regards to Christian ministry.

In order to do more, I need to be strengthened in my relationship with God. I need to be fortified by prayer and time spent reading His word. I need to be empowered and renewed by the Holy Spirit. Even Jesus took time out to fast and pray, away from the crowds and demands of His ministry.

I’m not suggesting the Christian life is as simple as a set of scales – input quiet times, output ministry. But I do think that I can’t do anything unless I’m strengthened and secure in my relationship with God.