• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

    Thriving Mamas

    For mamas who want to thrive, not just survive.

    • Home
    • About
    • Blog
    • Contact

    May 16, 2019 By Jen 2 Comments 0

    Footprints On the Beach

    My husband and I like to take our sons out for some one-on-one time where we build joy and chat about whatever is on their minds. While we don’t get to do these as often as we would like, they are a sweet time of heart-to-heart connection and fellowship. (We call these “Mommy dates” and “Daddy dates.”)

    I was on a “Mommy date” recently with my 9-year-old son, Matthew.  After picking up some ice cream, we walked along Lake Michigan. It was a beautiful, sunny spring day. We took our sandals off and let the sand squish between our toes as the water lapped our feet for a few minutes before continuing our walk. Matthew often stopped to inspect a rock, shell, plant or other treasure that caught his eye as we were walking, and he would respond with excitement over each new discovery.

    As I watched my son walk in front of me, I noticed how his steps created footprints in the sand. I also noticed a strong sense of delight and Jesus’ presence with us as we walked.

    I wanted to invite Matthew to have the same awareness, so I asked Him, “Matthew, what do you think Jesus is doing right now?” He responded that he wasn’t sure. I suggested he reflect on another recent time when he was aware of Jesus’ presence, then ask Jesus where He was in this moment.

    Matthew reflected for a few moments on a previous interaction with Jesus, then we asked Jesus together “Lord, where are you right now?” Matthew’s face broke into a smile, and he shared with me, “Jesus is here, and He is smiling!” This response brought an even bigger smile to my face. I then invited Matthew to ask another question. “Jesus, what do You want me to know about how You see me?”

    Matthew’s smile grew even bigger. He reported, “Jesus is excited to be with me, and He thinks I am a treasure!” This was such a neat thought. I said, “You mean, like how you are so excited to find a shell or a quarter as we walk along the beach, and how you hold tightly to your treasure? Does Jesus see you as His treasure?” Matthew then nodded his head emphatically.

    It is remarkable how these simple moments can turn into opportunities to enjoy God’s gifts and presence. Do you feel like you are Jesus’ treasure? No matter what is going on in your life, Immanuel is so glad you are His child!

    Often, we go to Jesus when we are experiencing painful things in our lives or when we are confused and in need of some important guidance. Thankfully, God is delighted to meet us there. But have you considered talking with Jesus in the good times as well?

    Jesus gave us an important example of how He lived His life pursuing the peace and perspective of His heavenly Father. He often gave thanks to the Father and spent quality time speaking the Father’s words and seeking the Father’s will. (1)

    We should follow this example. So today, I encourage you to take some time to start with appreciation and gratitude, then ask Jesus what He wants you to know about how He sees you. Not only can this lead to a great moment of joy with Him, but starting the practice of interacting with Jesus when things are going well also strengthens our connection so we can better find His peace when we need it most.

     


    1. John 12:49-50
    0
    Previous Post: « I Love You Enough to Correct You
    Next Post: Knowing What to Do as a Parent »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mike & Deana says

      May 16, 2019 at 10:07 am

      Beautiful!~what JOY in enjoying each other’s, (Jen, Matthew & Jesus’), presence together at the beach, which is one of our favorite places, as well~Thanks much for sharing this, Jen 🙂

      Reply
    2. Stew and Cass says

      May 20, 2019 at 2:48 pm

      Thanks Jen for this message, its simplicity and its power..Emmanuel! Growing in this capacity has been life changing, life altering and absolutely wonderful. I spread as much of this as possible by all means possible. We are looking forward to Track Two in the Lord’s timing.
      In Him,

      Sitka, AK

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    hello & welcome

    Welcome to Thriving Mamas! We’re so glad you’re here. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. And make sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on the newest blog posts.

    tips + tricks

    subscribe for regular updates and advice (and a free printable!)

    recommended reading

    • Keep Joy High During Upset
    • There is No Masterpiece Without the Mess
    • A Monster Ate My RCs
    • The Significance of Healthy Shame
    • Behavior Tells A Story

    a featured event

    encouragement for maxed out moms

    a three night event series to help you find new ways to create joy, rest, and strategies for success

    learn more

    Tags

    Act Like Myself ADD Anger Appreciation Attachment Pain Attune Brain Skills capacity Children Comfort Emotions Endure Hardship Family Family Bonds Fear Grace Gratitude Heart Values Immanuel Immanuel-Parenting Joy Maturity Overwhelm Parenting Patience Peace Quiet Relational Circuits relational mode relational skills Relationships Repair Return to Joy Sadness See What God Sees Shame Stories Stress summer joy Thankfulness trust upset Validation video Weakness

    Archives

    Much like we need to put our own oxygen mask on fi Much like we need to put our own oxygen mask on first, we also need to be in relational mode with ourselves first. What types of things do you do to love yourself well?
    Some days it's enough just to stay in relational m Some days it's enough just to stay in relational mode (aka keeping our relational circuits/RC's on.) And at times, that's the most important thing we do that day! If you're not sure whether you're in relational mode or not, take a look back at yesterday's post.
    Here's a helpful list to know if you're in relatio Here's a helpful list to know if you're in relational mode and your relational circuits are on. (Remember C.A.K.E!) ⁠
⁠
    We all have difficult seasons and circumstances th We all have difficult seasons and circumstances that burn us out. When this happens, everything from children to family can feel burdensome! This doesn’t mean you love them any less. It means your brain is running in a diminished state where joy is now out of reach. Learn how to stay relational with your family and keep joy levels high.
    Day 24 from our free gift: a dinner table game! Gi Day 24 from our free gift: a dinner table game! Give this fun game a try and let us know how it goes. More ideas like this on thrivingmamas.org/blog
    Have you gotten your free copy of our 30 Days for Have you gotten your free copy of our 30 Days for a More Joy-Filled Home? If so, what was your favorite activity? If not, what are you waiting for? 😜
    "A mother is someone who can take the place of all "A mother is someone who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take."
    Follow us on Instagram
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • Copyright © 2021 · Thriving Mamas · Hearten Made ⟡