Childlike Faith {Mindful Mothering Mondays}

“Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, "Do it again"; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, "Do it again" to the sun; and every evening, "Do it again" to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we.”

― G.K. Chesterton

This weekend, Rosemary was baptized into our Christian Faith.  We are members of the Lutheran church
(LCMS) and infant baptism has been an important part of our family life since the very beginning.  Standing before the baptismal fount with a brand new, limited edition human child in my arms, giving them over to God - it defines my role as their mother.  My job is clear, terrifyingly huge in scope but crystal clear in mission.

We are blessed with a Pastor with an appreciation and respect for the family unit.  In our talks before Rose's baptism, he told me, rather than asking, that all the children should come up.  During the baptism, he impressed on my little ones that the role of encouraging their sister's faith was a job for them as well - not just for Mom and Dad and all the grown ups in the congregation.  I thought about it, back in the pew, trying to keep little ones contained and behaving, trying to keep the rustling to a minimum, shushing and encouraging them to just keep it together til the end of the service.  Sometimes we adults are just so mired in the work of living that we forget the Joy of it.  Children know.  They see the joy and the beauty and majesty of God everywhere they look.  Perhaps they are equally equipped to encourage one another in faith?

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Matthew 19:14

Monday dawns and in the mad dash that follows a weekend spent doing fun and happy things, it can all look a bit grim.  Kids are wigglier during bible time, less quiet and somber than I'd like, and there is generally more interruption.  It all can (and does) exasperate a Mom who, let's be honest, sometimes just wants to get through bible and on to the rest of the to do list.  But in their childishness, these kids require me to take the extra time, sometimes reading the lesson over several times to make sure all are listening...but am I?  

Theirs is the kingdom.  These wiggly, noisy, interrupting kids.  Theirs.  They get it right, it's in the living of a life, not the checking off of lists or going through the motions, but the wild and often unruly exuberance of truly LIVING, that we see the richness of faith in God.  

Ben snuggles Rosie while we pray the Lord's Prayer and I can hear his voice, whispering Jesus' words right down into her heart.

{It's Mindful Mothering Mondays, a day to take a deep breath and write out your mothering journey, whatever form it takes. A day to link up for encouragement from others who are in this same phase of life. A day of writing out the trials and triumphs and what you're learning right where you are, right now.

You might post recent struggles or thoughts. Maybe just a picture or a quote. Or maybe you'll just come here and read the links that others post. Whatever form your participation takes, this is a day for you.
We are all in this, together. Together, we can encourage and build one another up, be honest with our shortcomings and strengthened by community to keep fighting the good fight.

I chose Mondays because what Mama doesn't need a little encouragement on a Monday? As such, I'll have the link up ready to go on Sunday night for you to begin submitting your links.

I hope you'll meet with me each Monday! Here's what to do ~

Link up your post below. Remember to put the link to the exact post you want to link, and not just your blog url. Include in your post a link back here so others who want to join in can find us! And visit some other Mamas who have linked up.

Post the community graphic within your post, so people who are reading your Mindful Mothering post can come back here and find the rest of us!

Invite the writers of your favorite blogs to join in!

Share this meme with others on facebook and twitter. This community is for all moms, and the more that participate, the more we will be able to enjoy!!}

Grab the graphic here:

<center> <a href=”http://smalltownsimplicity.blogspot.com/“><img border=”0″ src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33nGWFb2YqBvZ2ZS-TaTwYSjYhNzQ5TsyXZbHO49CfTNnySLTZOjvSMRm6W3UVvixj_M5Aw9t17wSLFFAts22_rNk_9q4xVEQQ2GUcjevwiaR2i0wM5QN4BbX-4mcMEgI7jlHcruJtv3E/s1600/MMgraphic.png"/></a></center>
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