Because I have to...

Dear friends,

Have you ever answered a question saying, "because I have to?"

Daddy, why do you go to work every day? Because I have to.

Mommy, why are we cleaning the house? Because we have to.

Why do I eat my vegetables? Because I have to (or at least I'm supposed to).

How sad. As a mom, I often find myself doing things "because I have to." I wash the clothes, cook dinner, buy groceries, and so much more "because I have to."

God didn't design life to be a "have to." He designed it to be a "get to."

What's the difference between "have to" and "get to" living? Have to living suggests an obligation. Because I am a mom, there are certain things I must do for my family. As I woman, I have to behave a particular way. I have to eat healthy and dress fashionably. This thought process suggests that life is a burden of must do's.

A "get to" mindset is so much greater. "I get to" suggests opportunity. What's the opportunity in parenting? To raise my children to love God. (Eph. 6:4) By serving them in love and humility, they learn to love God and serve him humbly. What's the opportunity in being a woman? To live wisely and fear the Lord. (Proverbs 31) Imagine the blessings that pour out on a family when a woman chooses to love the Lord in all that she does.

God has given me three wonderful children to raise, and "I get to" wash their clothes. He has provided me a beautiful, healthy family and "I get to" cook their dinner. He allows me to drive a reliable car to the convenient grocery store and "I get to" shop for food. In this life, God provides daily opportunities where I "get to" live, reflecting his love on others. A "get to" life is full of possibility.

Dear God, Thank you for the family you have given me. Thank you for opportunities to reflect your love, by caring for my family. Thank you for trusting me to lead my children to you. Let my life shine your love into their hearts. Amen