Longing For Tomorrow

“I can’t wait till this weekend,” I heard myself telling my friend.  “My husband and I are finally going on a date.  And boy, do I need it!”  The problem was it was only Monday.  I had to make it through a whole week until the much-needed break would arrive. 

How would I survive the week?  Would my children hear me wish for the weekend every time they spilled their juice, argued with each other, or came crying that they were “hurt” again?  I was so focused on the upcoming weekend to bring contentment and happiness that I found myself being very discontent with the happenings of the current day.  I was impatient, distracted, and irritable.

That day, I felt God tugging at my heart.  I realized that I was wasting my days because I was so focused on tomorrow.  I had to ask for forgiveness for rushing the precious moments God had given me.  I thanked Him for the simple things, like chubby little hands, toys in the floor, incessant eight-year-old giggling, tear-filled eyes, and the soft skin of a child (just to name a few). 

Several years ago, I remember hurrying to get out the door, when my then, three-year-old son said, “Mommy can you help me with my pants?”  Frustrated that I had one more thing to do, and knowing I was already late, I blurted, “I can’t wait till you learn to button your pants by yourself!”  Immediately, God reminded me of the impact of that statement.  In an almost audible voice I heard Him gently say, “Laurie, it won’t be long, till he won’t need you as much.  The day is soon coming when he will no longer ask for your help any more, and you will wish he would.”  He is fourteen now.  He doesn’t need help with his pants anymore.  He doesn’t seem to need my help with very much at all.  Sometimes I wish he needed me a little more! 

Because motherhood is so demanding, it is easy to find ourselves “longing for tomorrow.”  But when we do, our days become very long.  Where are you today?  Where is your focus?  Is it in the moment?  Or, are you looking forward to something so badly that you are simply surviving today?

PRAYER: Father, I pray that You would help me to make the most of every day.  Help me to see my children the way You do.  Thank You for Your patience with me when I’m so focused on other “things” to bring me happiness and contentment, knowing that true contentment comes from knowing You.  I want to know You more, Jesus.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain,” 1 Timothy 6:6 KJV.

Today’s devotion is by Laurie Lovejoy Hilliard of Mom and Loving It Ministries.  Laurie is a speaker and co-author of Bethany House books “Mom and Loving It” and “Hold You, Mommy.”  She is married to Charles and has four children, ages 4-14.  www.momandlovingit.org