Family Talk Night Light for Parents
Taking Care of Mom
“This is the resting place, let the weary rest.” Isaiah 28:12
How well I (SMD) remember the day I put my son, Ryan, then four months old, on the dressing table to change his diapers. As soon as I removed the wet garments, he made like a fountain and “initiated” the wall and a picture of Little Boy Blue. I cleaned up his mess, then left to answer the telephone. While I was gone, Ryan was struck by an attack of projectile diarrhea; he machine-gunned the nursery. I bathed him, scoured the room, and dressed him in sweet-smelling clothes. Exhausted but grateful that the ordeal was over, I affectionately put Ryan on my shoulder—and was horrified to feel him dump his breakfast down my neck!
These memories of the difficult moments of child-rearing have given me a special tenderness for moms. They need care and nurturing, too. The Lord knows that even dirt produces more bountiful crops with periodic rest (Leviticus 25:4–5). So it is for mothers. It’s a good idea, then, to regularly do something you enjoy—play tennis, go shopping, stop by the gym, or simply “waste” an afternoon. Go out on dates with Dad, invite a neighbor over for coffee, join a church Bible study or a Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group. Most important of all, take time for quiet fellowship with the Lord. A few of these breaks in the routine will keep you fresh for the next round of diaper-changing with your little darlings.
Before you say good night…
Are you pushing yourself too hard? Do you need more breaks?
Husbands, can you help provide your wife with times to refresh?
(mother) Dear God, it’s so easy for me to fall into a frantic routine and neglect my own needs. Show me the activities and friends that You want for me, and open my heart to Your leading as I take care of my family and myself. Amen.
- From Night Light For Parents, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson
Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved.