You are not #1

It’s something I hear (or see posted on Facebook) almost every day:  “My kids are the most important thing to me.”

And, I get it.

Our kids are so important.

The impact becoming parents has on our lives is immeasurable.  Everything changes as soon  as we see that sonogram or perceive that faint pink line.

We stop drinking coffee, for heaven’s sake, and swallow horse pills that get stuck in our nauseated throats.

We wear worn-out boots so we can purchase pretty little pink pajamas.

We lose sleep, change diapers and look past puke.

All for our little ones.

They are worth it.  They deserve it.

But, we make a mistake when we put them first in all things.

When children trump marriage partners.

When their activities arrange our schedules.

When their business outweighs our budgets.

When our worlds revolve around them.

We lose balance, and so do they.

You see, I love my children, but I want them to know they are not number one.

Christ comes first.  He is before all things and all people, including them.

Then, there’s their daddy, who is the one I promised to love and cherish and spend my life with.

He was never meant to fall on the list of important people once we had children.  Having his children only makes him all the more dear.

Then, yes, my children’s needs almost always come next, but sometimes, they have to sacrifice.

Also, I’m supposed to put other’s needs before my own, but I don’t think that just means those of my family.  You see, those children and that man are part of me.  So, meeting their needs IS meeting mine.

We all have to sacrifice and serve others.

Teaching my kids they are not always most important prepares them for a world that will prove it.

It gives them eyes to see others’ needs.

It helps them practice patience in a world of instant.

It provides opportunities to be like Christ, who “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)

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We’re more than halfway through this 31-Day series “31 Things I Want My Kids to Know.”  I hope you’ll keep reading.

Also, be sure to check out “31 Days of Wisdom for Moms Like Me.”

Also, please consider buying a shirt to support Merchant Ship Ministries and help us provide funding for some amazing ministries in Kenya.  You can read more about how your purchase will help here.