What’s in a Word…2014 edition

Back in November, as I mentioned here, I was thinking about 2014. So many good things happened in 2013. It was a year of great Grace and patience, as I waited on the Lord to help me understand what He wanted me to do next. More kids (the Mister just “loves” when I bring this up!;) ), work, renovations on the house, business, what? The whole year I just heard my word, Balance, over and over. I needed it to function. To function on lack of sleep, running to preschool, errands and the general happiness of my little kiddos. I had intentions that went undone not just at home, but with friends. But I do feel I accomplished so much just being present with my kids.

While I was praying one day, God dropped this word into my heart. Nurture. I went and looked it up (that’s the teacher in me!).

Nurture: care for and encourage the growth or development of…. 

That was it. That was the word I needed to focus me in the next year. I think the closer you get to having kids in school full time, the more you realize how fleeting time really is. And instead of focusing on the quickness so many people do, I want to nurture my kids. You know those comments every grandma says, “before you know it, they’ll be moving out”. You know, that’s nice advice and all, but moms don’t need that really. They need the encouragement that it’s all going to be ok. That those diapers stacking up, I get it. Nothing more. Go ahead, tell me how it feels to be so sleep deprived. I get it. I know. Not, “oh this too shall pass.”

I think we as women tend to have that front up. That front that says, “Oh, I did it and I survived. Stop complaining”…whether in word or non-verbal actions.

The more I let this word, “Nurture” roll around in my head and heart, the more I realized what my next step was.

Women need other women to just support them. Not dish out advice. Not tell them that it’s all going to be ok, (even though it will be). Offer prayer and even a helping hand. Bring someone a casserole. Bake some cookies.

My thoughts went to my kids. How often do I sit and read a book for myself while they are up and playing? How often am I cleaning up after them instead of showing them how to help so we can play faster? Nurturing isn’t just physically developing, it’s emotional and spiritual too. The question I’ve been asking myself is how can I do that at home? What changes can I make?

It’s funny that some people think that friendships aren’t important. If it wasn’t, God wouldn’t have taken the time to write verses like, “A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

I believe, for me, that the word Nurture is all about relationship. It is important. I am very thankful for the people the Lord has brought into my life.

This year I plan to nurture my kids, my friends, the women the Lord brings through my life, and myself. My belief is that if a momma doesn’t take care of herself by having me time and quiet time, all else fails.

What’s your word?

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