Giving our all

I've been thinking quite a bit lately about the opportunities we give or don't give our children. Society says we ought to have them running from here to there, involved in sports, music lesson and anything else they might show a vague, passing interest in. If we fail to do so, we are not giving them the advantages they need to succeed.

Unfortunately, I've bought into a bit of that thinking and allowed myself to feel guilty. Times are tight and there is no room in the budget for violin lessons for our six year old, or gymnastics lessons, or many other things they could be doing. Would they enjoy them? Yes. Are they going to be held back in what the Lord has for them if they don't have that opportunity? No. If the activity is one that is imperative for the path God has for their life, then He will provide the means.

I was thinking about Susanna Wesley and the impact she made on her children, despite many difficulties in her life. The mother of 19 children, several of whom died young, Susanna determined to change the world by starting at home. She didn't do it through offering her children music lessons, or sending them to fine schools. Instead, she gave what she had - her time. Here's an excerpt from a letter written to her husband during a year he had deserted the family.

I am a woman, but I am also the mistress of a large family. And though the superior charge of the souls contained in it lies upon you, yet in your long absence I cannot but look upon every soul you leave under my charge as a talent committed to me under a trust. I am not a man nor a minister, yet as a mother and a mistress I felt I ought to do more than I had yet done. I resolved to begin with my own children; in which I observe, the following method: I take such a proportion of time as I can spare every night to discourse with each child apart. On Monday I talk with Molly, on Tuesday with Hetty, Wednesday with Nancy, Thursday with Jacky, Friday with Patty, Saturday with Charles.

Despite meager circumstances, she determined to give her children the best - her time. I can do that. What will it cost me? Everything -dying to myself and giving up my time for my children. Is it worth it? You bet.

As you probably know, two of Suzanna's sons went on to found the Methodist church. She did not set out to impact the world, but through her children she spoke volumes.

“…although she never preached a sermon or published a book or founded a church, is known as the Mother of Methodism. Why? Because two of her sons, John Wesley and Charles Wesley, as children consciously or unconsciously will, applied the example and teachings and circumstances of their home life.” (Pellowe)

I may not be able to give them much, but I can give them all I have.