A few years ago when I first became a mom I didn’t know what to do with my time between feedings and changing diapers. It was a whole new world to me and I was going just one day at a time.
It was just me, alone with my new baby. I was trying to heal and learn and figure what this new season of life was going to be.
So I filled a lot of my time with tv. It was on pretty much all day. I binged series after series. In between cleaning, cooking, and mothering I was in front of my tv a lot. And with the left over time I spent scrolling on social media.
I look back on that time now with a lot of grace on myself. It was a lonely time and one that was full of learning.
But now that I am almost five years into this motherhood journey and with two more children added into my days I look at my time a whole lot different. Yes, I have less spare time. But I also see my time necessary for something else now.
Many mothers fall into idleness. I did. And I’m sure you have at some point, in some way, as well.
And if you don’t know, idleness is a sin.
The Bible warns us many times about being lazy, sluggardly, and idle. It is looked upon as such a bad thing in a believers life.
If we follow the example of the renowned Proverbs 31 Woman we would do away with idleness altogether.
“She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” (Proverbs 31:27)
I started to take this thought seriously in my day to day. The Lord desires our time.
It is such a popular mindset that moms need their “me time” to survive. But I will tell you that you really don’t. God created us to serve! And there is a difference between serving and overperfomlng. I’m not saying to wear yourself out in this season. But get that “I deserve some time to myself to find comfort and joy” mindset out of your head.
What can this look like practically in your season? I’m glad you asked!
“Not eating the bread of idleness” may look like choosing to get up to train your child instead of just letting it slide or raising your voice from where you are at because it’s been a long day.
It may look like choosing to fold laundry or wash those dishes instead of scroll on Pinterest.
Or it may look like choosing to get up before your kids instead of getting that extra thirty minutes of sleep.
Idleness is a trap that many mothers fall prey to without even knowing it.
Our culture likes to dismiss it or excuse it as normal. But it’s time to stand our ground in the Spirit. We have a choice.
With the Holy Spirit’s help we have holy strength to get up and do what we need to do. We are able to serve our families, take care of our homes, minister to others, and serve our Lord with every minute. Doing the opposite of idleness means worshiping God with our work and rest. It is all for Him!
So do not choose to eat the bread of idleness when you can choose to eat the bread of abundance.
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