Jacopo Tintoretto – Christ Washing the Feet of His Disciples
“Jesus’ example of servant leadership sets him apart from so many historical religious leaders. He was not a God who lorded it over his followers and demanded they follow him or coerced their obedience through authoritarianism and fear. Instead, he called them to the excellence of holiness and yet lovingly served them in order to win their hearts and show them the means of reaching other’s hearts as well. As I look to the hearts of my own children and seek to teach them about the grace of God, I realize my love and service to them must come before any of my great words, my teaching and training. My time, my attention, my “soft-tickling”–even when I am tired or have other “important” things on my mind–is what builds our relationship and prepares them to listen to what I have to say. Only then, once the wells of their need are filled with the grace of being loved, will my words to them about God’s grace finally make sense.” ~The Ministry of Motherhood
Matthew 20:25-28: “Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”
Jesus always encouraged his disciples to love and serve one another and to put each other’s welfare above their own. He showed them how to serve by humbling himself and washing their feet, letting his actions speak louder than his words. Through this demonstration, he forged a lasting impression on his disciples of what it means to be a servant leader.
When it comes to teaching and ministering to our children, we must realize what a powerful tool our demonstrations of love and grace to them can be–when we put down the phone or the dishes to play with or comfort or simply talk to our children when they need us, we are teaching them how God sacrificially loves them in a real and tangible way that penetrates their hearts and souls deeper than any eloquent speeches or words ever could.
As you go about your inevitably busy day, look for opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus to your children. Ask yourself, what little game could I play, what snack could I prepare, what kind word or listening ear could I offer my child that would best convey the love I have and that God has for him or her?
What are some of the little spontaneous things you do for your children to love and serve them?
Thank you for your genersous donation to the Raising Homemakers blog giveaway. I only have 2 of your books, but am looking forward to getting and reading all of them. Thank you for serving God by serving moms and women!
Play with my daughter’s hair. . .scratch/tickle my son’s back. . .I am looking for the opportunities now as they are growing up so fast! Loved Chapters one and two. Thank you!
This is so convicting. Thank you! I needed to read this today.
Taking them on special “dates” with me (I have 7 so this is really important), stopping what I’m doing first thing in the morning and greeting each one with a smile, hug and good morning so happy to see you, having a special dinner helper each week in which I turn off the radio and phone and just listen and talk, staying up late with my teens to hear their hearts, really listening to them even if it’s a little boring and engaging with them, caring about what’s important to them, snuggling and reading books together, going to their baseball, gymnastics, speech and all other events, trying to give them the job they would rather do and taking the most undesireable one. There are many more but I think I’ve said enough
The thing that I do find so inspiring is that when we serve them with all our hearts they often do the same thing for us. When I’m ill or super busy I find them coming and asking what they can do to help. I certainly wasn’t expecting that outcome, but it’s been a wonderful surprise.
The circle of moms voting goes through the 8th! I’m voting for you. Good luck!
Hi Sally! I just popped over here from Raising Homemaker’s blog to say thanks so much for generously donating your books to their giveaway. I read your blog daily and your book The Mission of Motherhood has had the most profound impact on my life as a mom than any book other than the Bible. I recommend it to all my friends and have given away many copies to new moms…thanks so much for sharing your heart here continually! I always leave inspired, convicted, encouraged, or all three!
My son has a wood working business so I help him sand his art work, take him to craft fairs, help him find craft fairs on Craigslist, etc. My daughters both teach piano so I help them with keeping their books and printing out statements for their customers each month. My other son is taking flying lessons so I drive him to the airport and wait for the hour it takes for him to have his lesson. He’s also interested in computers so I help him “network” with other young men who own their own companies, looking for internships for him.
What a joy and privilege it is to walk side-by-side with our children as God unfolds His perfect will for their lives!
I like to sing to my kids their special song. Each one has a song with their name in it. For example, today as I was walking Abigail to the potty at school I sang to the tune of the old song “Hi Ho the Dairy-O” ‘I love my Abigail, I love my Abigail, etc.
It’s her song and she loves it.
Here s my post about creative ways to encourage your kids:
http://mamamiamcmasters.blogspot.com/2011/05/daily-encouragement.html
Thank you for your genersous donation to the Raising Homemakers blog giveaway. I am new to your books and would love to read them.
Thank you for your gracious dontation at the Raising Homemakers blog. I’ve searched, to no avail, at the local libraries throughout our State for your books. (Needless to say, I’ll be making a request.
Would be so blessed by this!! 1 Chronicles 16: 8-9 
thankyou for donating your books to the raising homemakers give away! I am a mom of 4 in 5 years and don’t have a gob of spare time but so many of your titles jumped out to me as something i could really use…look forward to reading more of your stuff!
Thank you for your donation of books to Raising Home Makers! You bless.
And always thank you for the way you allow the Father to speak through you. Mother wisdom, thank you,
Hi, sweet Sally! I loved this post. This morning, serving my kiddos meant taking the time to make Mickey Mouse pancakes instead of the boring, round kind.
Other times it means special date nights, a chance to stay up past bedtime, or running errands with mom. I am so glad I have your example as a great inspiration! Love you!
thanks for donating your books to the raisinghomemakers giveaway! hope to win!
What a beautiful reminder! Even though my little guy is only eight months old I’m finding there are little ways even now to show him Jesus’ love. I am looking forward to reading Ministry of Motherhood
Many blessings!