Memory Banks

"Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children." Charles Swindoll

I don't know about you but this time of year really makes me look back on my own childhood. Even today as I was driving around doing errands I was thinking back to one of my favorite Christmas memories. I can see myself sitting in the den near the Christmas tree and it was warm and cozy. I received a Cabbage Patch Kid table set with chairs, table and umbrella. I was so excited to sit at my new table and use my new pastels and crayons and draw some pictures. I remember it was snowing and it made the house feel even darker and cozier than normal as if a layer of snow was covering the whole house. It was pure enjoyment!

As a parent, I've been praying and praying that each day God not only just gives me the physical strength to get through each day on such little sleep (Mark is teething and waking up at least twice in the middle of the night...this too shall pass :)), but I've also been asking God for emotional strength.

I don't know how many of you out there feel after a night of not getting much rest, but for me it is really hard some days to have a positive perspective on just minor tasks like changing diapers, making meals, and getting dressed. These are all the things that as a mom, must get done, but sometimes they seem so tedious and difficult when all you want to do is curl back into bed.

Thank goodness John is a big help in the mornings...but Mondays and Saturdays are my toughest days since Saturday he leaves at 7am for the Taekwondo school and Mondays he leaves at the same time for Hebrew at Nyack College.

I was reading this book called Lists to Live by for Every Caring Family by Alice Gray, Steve Stephens, and John Van Diest...when I came across this quote by the beloved, and godly Chuck Swindoll, "Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children." It really hit me in the heart. It's one of those quotes that makes you say, "Wow, no pressure!" But it is very true. Each day God has given us is truly a gift and we have so many choices throughout the day to make that can either be made in our flesh or be made in the spirit.

Our Pastor gave an awesome sermon on attitudes this past Sunday and it was all about how our attitudes can either bring glory to God or Satan. It doesn't take much for me to get convicted.

I really liked the following verses that Pastor Joe focused on:

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:1-2 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Romans 8:5-7 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Philippians 2:2 Fulfill my joy be being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

These verses basically reminded me that I have a choice each day to focus on the things that don't matter, or to focus on the things that matter most. It also is such a good reminder for me to remember that every day does matter to my children. Each moment is a gift. Each moment is precious.

There is a verse in Psalms 90:12 that says, "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." I am seeking to make positive memories with my children, with my routines, my tone of voice, doing special activities, loosening up my routine for a spur of the moment fun activity that dad might suggest or grandma. I need to keep reminding myself that people are more important than task lists. God wants us to be loving each other. Our love for each other brings Him glory.

And if you think of Team Mac, please pray for a mom who desperately wants/needs sleep. Pray that she will seek to honor and glorify Jesus with her life regardless of how many hours she gets at night!

"Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children." Charles Swindoll