Parenthood: A Lesson in Continual Sacrifice

It never fails. When I get myself something to drink or eat, there are two out of my three who are right there waiting for a sip, a taste and a piece.

Sometimes I just don't want to share! There are days I just want to sit down and eat in peace. But these little people usually win out and I end up sharing the last of my favorite drink or snack. It feels like I'm continually doling out pieces of my food, my time, my sanity...my self.

That all comes with parenthood. I just realize I don't want to sacrifice to the point of depletion.

That's where the wisdom of God comes in. He helps us to pour into our children while being filled by Him. When I feel like I've given all I can to the kids, there seems to a reservoir of energy, time and knowledge to continue giving them. It's miraculous really how it works.

Ephesians 3:14-19The Message (MSG)

My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.

I love this prayer that Paul prayed for the church at Ephesus: that they be full in the fullness of God. Everything that God has is available to be poured into me.

So just when I think I'm empty, He's waiting to fill me up.

Feeling depleted my parenthood, work, marriage?  Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite Him in. Swing that door open wide for Him today, He's got extravagant reservoirs available to you.