Real Moms...Real Jesus Discussion Chapter 3
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
It's week 3 of our Real Moms...Real Jesus discussion. Please join in with your comments or questions as you desire. You can answer one or all of the questions! The Perspective for this chapter is titled "Can I please go to the bathroom alone?" So can anybody relate? :-)
Moms don't have much personal space. But Jesus didn't have alot of personal space either. "Large crowds followed him everywhere he went." (Matthew 4:25)
But Jesus was intentional about pulling away from the crowds. How do you do with that? Often I wait until it's almost too late--I'm losing it with the kids, frustrated with the hubby....but the real problem is that I haven't sought out emotional and spiritual refreshment. Anybody struggle with that?
Ok on to Chapter 3...Jesus was compassionate and tender.
As I shared at the beginning of this chapter, the words "compassionate" and "tender" aren't usually used to describe me. I'm more "straight-shoot'n" and "brutally honest." But we all have places God is growing us up. This is a big one for me. I'm working on responding with more empathy as I become more like Jesus.
So what is the one "nugget of truth" that you took from Chapter 3?
P.S. By the way, if you don't have the book and want to join in on the discussion you can order it online here.
April 21, 2009 4:40 PM
I jotted down several things while I was reading Chapter 3 ...
I really loved your definition of Christlikeness: "We leave our human ways (the flesh) and pursue God's ways (the Spirit). When God is really in control we might not even recognize ourselves in the midst of letting Him lead."
I thought about how we do have personalities and qualities that make us unique. And while God doesn't want us to deny those, he does want us to allow Him to be our guide and not let our imperfect human natures lead us. When we do that, our natural selfishness can be replaced with God's mercy, grace and love ... for ourselves and the people around us.
Thanks for writing this chapter. :)
April 21, 2009 5:58 PM
Perspective...I can totally relate--today! My alergies have been giving me fits for a few days, and I just wanted to lay down for a little bit. It wasn't long before my kids, and even the dog, were all over me! I am bad about waiting to take the time to recharge until I've run on empty and irritated with everyone too. I thought it was interesting the definitions of introvert and extrovert that it is not your people skills, it is if people drain or recharge you. I think I have times of both when I need people and when I need to be alone.
The take away from the chapter is that it takes energy to have patience, kindness, and self-control. I had never thought about it that way before, but you are exactly right. And it is usually the times that my energy is low that I fail the most at those qualities. And it was good to hear that I'm not the only one who looks at bed time as "going off the clock." And if the kids are late getting into bed...whew, that tries my patience some days! Now I will know to anticipate that, maybe rest a little on days I know will be long, and be more Christlike to my family.
April 21, 2009 9:02 PM
I love this perspective and this chapter about taking care of ourselves so that we can take care of and serve our families in a more compassionate and Christ-like way. I gave up a career for "professional motherhood" only 8 months ago and as a stay-at-home-mom the biggest difference is you're never "off". It is a 24-hour/day job.
I am the parent of only one child (so far) but the past 2 days I've cared the daughters of my chronically ill friend (ages 2 and 5). The busy-ness of having 3 pre-schoolers in my house for two days has left me more exhausted than I expected. And even though my living room is chaos, I just retreated to the bathtub for a 20-minute soak. I also decided to give my brain a rest and read from a fiction novel for a change. I realized today that after Bible reading and Bible Study homework every other chance I get to read I'm alwasy reading non-fiction books about how to be more organized and a better wife/mom/Christian. I know this kind of reading is important for my growth as a daughter of Christ but now I realize it is important to "turn off" once in a while and read some junk-food-for-the-mind while enjoying hot scented bubbles and cold can of caffein-free diet coke, out of the reach and sight of the sleeping children! :)
It was just what I needed to tonight to feel refreshed and ready to pray, sleep, and face the day ahead tomorrow!
--DMB
April 22, 2009 10:25 AM
Great insight, all. I love being able to glean from one another's experiences and insights!
April 23, 2009 3:37 PM
One thing that I wrote down that spoke to me was about Jesus' gentleness. You wrote how we need to be like Jesus because our children want to be like us. That really spoke to me. Of course I've heard it before but it made me think to read it this way.