BY RACHEL AXTMANN
Each Monday, when I find myself chatting with other moms or friends, a common conversation starter is, “How was your weekend?” And without really thinking, I automatically say, “Oh, good, how was yours?” But I’m embarrassed to admit, that sometimes, I have to really think about it for a few minutes. Like, good gracious, what DID I do this past weekend? I know I was busy. I did a lot for sure, but what was it again?
This little Monday conversation starter has got me thinking a bit more introspectively lately. Each small decision on how I spend my time corresponds to the degree to which I am living an intentional life. If I’m not intentional about my decision making, the temptation for me personally is to choose to not miss out on anything – both for myself and my children. It all sounds so “good” that I may choose busyness and temporary pleasure over choices that are directed to long-term goals.
For we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:10
Did you realize that God has created GOOD WORKS for us do BEFORE we even entered the scene? But take a look at the pivotal word, SHOULD. Should we walk in them? We have a choice. The question I ask myself is, am I? I so want to say a resounding YES! But if I allow myself to really be truthful, here’s what I consider…
Do I want to instill faith in my children? Is it important to me that my children have a relationship with their creator, not just knowledge of Him? If so, how am I spending my time to ensure I am doing my part? I can’t put that responsibility in the lap of our church, Christian friends, or even a Christian school.
Furthermore, do I want my children to learn the art of face to face socialization in a society dominated by screens? What am I doing to model this? Do I want them to appreciate and embrace the importance of community with other believers? If so, what am I doing to model that for them? Do I want them to serve others? How do they see me doing it? Do I want to grow stronger in my faith? If so, how does my time reflect that goal? If I want to be more psychically fit, how I spend my free time will directly impact this, either positively or negatively.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2
How do we renew our minds? How do we know His good works? We do this by intentionally reading the Bible. Listening to sermons is wonderful, blogs are great (wink, wink), reading Christian books are also good, BUT do not let the voice and words of others take precedence over the one TRUE voice of your Heavenly Father. He will show you the path to take and the good works to do when you pursue HIM above all else. We just have to be willing to walk in them.