Recently I was very sick with a virus. Day-in and day-out my body ached and groaned as I tried to fight through the sickness. After about six days, my symptoms started to subside. Just as my illness was leaving me, I had passed it to my little five-year-old girl. I was reminded in that moment that I was a sinner. I had a moment where I wanted to pout and just be frustrated that on the heels of feeling better, I had to immediately begin caring for someone else- no break and no reprieve. I prayed a quick prayer “Lord, help me.” I put her in a bath and got her all washed. She has the most beautiful long, blonde hair. As I brushed it, all wet and matted, she said, “Mommy, will you blow-dry it for me?” I knew that would take longer than I wanted to spend on it, but I agreed. As I sat blow-drying her shiny, long hair, she hummed the Christmas song “Holly Jolly Christmas”. Her sweet, innocent spirit lifted mine up.
Jesus reminded me of something in that moment- being a mom constantly calls us to selflessness and sacrifice. Sometimes these small things we do for our kids snowball upon us- one tiny act of sacrifice at a time that rolls into a giant, all-consuming ball. We start to resent being a mom and become overwhelmed by it all. For me, that eventually turns into “mom-guilt” because I become grouchy and irritable with my kids. However, when we shift our perspective as we look and care for our children, I think Jesus has something better for us.
What I learned from my “little sacrifice” that night, is that Jesus is in them all. Why did my heart swell while I was sitting on the bathroom floor blow-drying hair? Because of God’s gift He gave me in the form of a precious little girl. I wonder if this Christmas season, we leaned into Jesus a little more, and asked Him to help us see our “little sacrifices” like He does- moments in time to tenderly love and care for the blessings He has given us. Sometimes our sinfulness disguises these blessings and taints them, but friend, do not be duped- they are indeed God’s blessings to you- and to me! When we selflessly serve our children, we serve Jesus, no matter their age or stage of life!
“I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. … When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, `I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. ” Matthew 25:40
Lots of Love, Krystle Porter & The Help Club for Moms Team
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One Comment on ““Little Sacrifices” this Christmas”
Krystle,
You have matured into such a wonderful and beautiful woman! I am proud of all your accomplishments in life; especially that of being a mother. May God continue to bless you and your family. We will keep you in our prayers. Love Always…