Inside each of us is a desire to be known and loved just as we are. To have someone hear the beatings of our heart. To know that someone cares about us and loves us even when they don’t understand us. To have someone share in our joys and our sorrows. Those longings are evidence we were created for relationships. Yes, even the littlest babies, the toddler, the young child, the tween, the teen—all of our children were created for relationships. All of our children have the same longings to be known as we do.
God has placed us as mothers, in a unique position of relationship in our children’s lives. We are the constants, the caretakers, the kisser-of-owies, the car driver, the cooker, the confident, the coach. Because of the nature of mothering, we already do many things that can cultivate the heart connections.
However, in my own experience, the daily tasks like laundry, picking up all the things all the time, and fixing food to feed the family get in the way of those moments of intentional connection. I find myself saying, “In a minute…” or “When I finish this” or “Tomorrow we will…” I have the best of intentions, but bedtime rolls around again and that game I said I’d play in a minute never got played, the book I said I’d read didn’t get read, and the cycle continues.
I am on a mission to cultivate heart connections with my children in the everyday moments—to find ways to connect while I juggle all the tasks we moms do. I’m committed because I believe those heart connections are important.
Why?
Heart connections lay a foundation on which to build lasting relationships.
That foundation is one of understanding, trust, and shared history. I don’t want my children to just remember me as the mom who was always doing the laundry or cooking the meals. I want them to remember me as the mom who shared life with them, who turned everyday tasks into quality time, who made time for them even when she had other things to do.
Heart connections create opportunities for discipleship.
As moms, we spend time with our children. Lots of time. That time can be used to disciple—teach and mentor in faith—our children. When we have cultivated heart connections with them, their little hearts are more receptive to our instruction than if we haven’t connected.
Heart connections impact eternity.
Our children will (God-willing) live on after us and raise the next generation. What we do to cultivate connections with their hearts will impact their lives, the way they parent. The discipleship we do with them will strengthen their faith and help them to know how to live and how to share their faith with others. You see, the cultivation we do today is not just for today, it is for next week, next year, and on and on.
Heart connections matter! Won’t you join me in cultivating heart connections with our children?!?!
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