Get Soaked
by Esther Feng

Motherhood sucks you dry. Family schedules, sibling rivalry and ear infections can leave a mom feeling drained and wondering how to fill up with God. In the busy-ness of mothering, how does a mom find time to quench her thirst?

Take little sips throughout the day. God loves to be a part of your day, so invite him into the madness of mothering.

• Listen to music that helps you focus on God. Have music playing in the car, while you’re playing with the kids, during after-school snack time. 
  
• Pray while doing chores. Ask God for strength, thank him for the little blessings or just be in awe of how great he is – even while folding laundry. 
  
• Read Bible stories. Try reading Daniel and the Lions’ Den to your kids. You’ll be surprised how explaining God’s principles for life will challenge you.
  
• Read an online devotional or follow an inspirational blog.  
  
• Reflect on a Bible verse or inspirational quote on your bathroom mirror. While you’re in front of the mirror, you’ll be reminded God is with you today. 

Get soaked. Little sips throughout the day won’t fully satisfy your thirst. Make time to drink deeply. Read what God has to say about your insecurities and fears, dreams and desires. You’ll get soaked – and that love will splash all over your children. But when is it ever quiet in the world of raising kids? Do it first. At first opportunity, spend a few minutes with God instead of checking Facebook or cleaning your kitchen. It could be in the morning or in the evening, but find some time to spend with God. The dishes will still be there, and your Facebook friends aren’t going anywhere.

• Do it together. Pick a Bible study or book to read with a friend.
• Relate to God in a way that fits you. How are you wired? Would journaling be a natural way to talk to God? Would you enjoy a structured Bible Study? Do you love to sing? God know just how to speak to you; after all, he created you!
• Be disciplined. Fight the urge to have a drive-thru relationship with God. What could you give up to regularly meet with God?
• Ask God to give you an unquenchable thirst for him. When you’re parched, finding water doesn’t seem like a chore – it’s a joy.
• Motherhood helps us realize just how much we need God. He can’t wait to fill us up. We just need to take the first sip.

Esther is a thirsty mom of two school-age daughters, a recovering perfectionist and a field leader for MOPS. A former science teacher, she has rediscovered her love of words and blogs at estherfeng.com