First Fruits Friday - Intentionality
The next few blog’s will be reflections from mothers! Our first ministry is our family and this time of preparation for Our Savior’s birth is a great opportunity for us to pause and reflect on our priorities as children of God, wives, mothers, and servant leaders. Today, I’m writing as a mom!
Recently my daughters went on a road trip with Pacelli High School to Indianapolis, Indiana. They were excited because this trip was meant to be a spiritual journey, a pilgrimage of sorts, that exposed them to the beauty of the faith and spoke to them as teenagers. I was thrilled to send them because I know the value of spiritual experiences despite some hesitation from them due to natural uncertainties.
They planned, they prepared, and they packed. Then off they went! It was a whirlwind weekend…driving through the night on a Thursday, starting at 9 pm from Georgia and arriving in Indianapolis at 7 am. Oh to be a fly on the wall of that bus ride! They were tired, but pumped up on adrenaline as they embraced the experience of a new state, the frigid cold, and time with friends in a totally new environment.
I did not hear from them much, but when I did, they were having a blast. Their spirits were high and they were having the time of their lives! Playing games, swapping T-shirts and hats, and “clothes pinning” one another to share phone numbers to make new friends. It was all in good fun with some great chaperones. The biggest take away for me was the faith-building component. Both my girls are growing deeper in their faith. They had encounters with the Lord through friends, music, reflections, and just plain breaking bread with other teens who also wanted to know the Lord in a deeper way.
This was a type of 72-hour revival for my girls. Being a teen in today’s culture has got to be so difficult. Fighting the addiction of social media, the temptation for popularity, or feeling like you have to “outdo” one another in sports, or music or friends. Pressures that have always been there, but with the distraction of our phones, it takes temptation and sin to another level.
Isn’t this a temptation for all of us? Ultimately, that temptation is called sin. The devil is prowling about like a lion (1 Peter 5:8) looking to devour each and every one of us. We all really should be looking for spiritual revivals and pilgrimages that rejuvenate and renew us regularly. We should engage in Spiritual sabbaticals that make us pause and thank God for His amazing mercy, grace, and gifts He gives us. Marriage and family takes intentionality, just as servant leadership in any ministry takes intentionality.
My prayer for all of us in this season of preparation for Our Lord’s birth, and into the Christmas season, is that we be intentional with our roles. As Sons or Daughters of the King, we need these same spiritual experiences and renewal in our lives.. Let’s role model for our children how we might want them to live out their faith and grow in a deeper relationship with Our Lord this season so we can rejuvenate, renew, and rejoice on Christmas morning at His birth!