Guest Post: Jenni Clayville
I spent the first half of Mother’s Day week talking about needing mother’s… or being Un-Mothered. Now I want to close out Mother’s Day week celebrating three friends that I think are AMAZING moms. Today’s post is from Jenni Clayville, a wonderful mom, wife, and worship pastor. You can follow her on Twitter (although I’m assuming you already do) or on her blog.
Oh, and did I mention that I love her? Ok, now that that’s out of the way here’s her post…
Invite Me
I’m sitting here watching my 4-year-old.
He grabs a little cup from one of the bottom cabinets (we put all the kids dishes where they can reach them so they can help themselves), scurries over to the fridge, fills his cup with water and drinks from it. Then he grabs a couple apple slices I’ve cut for them and runs over to his 1-year-old little brother.
“Here Paxton… want an apple?”
As they both snack, they sit side-by-side and Chance “reads” to Paxton. Then… out of nowhere… Chance says:
“Hey Mom… you wanna come and read with us?”
ABSOLUTELY!!!
I could have easily done all that water-fetching and snack-handling for Chance and Paxton… but there was so much more pride when I saw he was self-sufficiently taking care of his own needs, sharing with his brother, playing quietly… and then he invited ME to come and play with him.
I love walking alongside my kids.
I love listening to the silliest rambling and chatter their little minds offer.
I love to watch them grow.
I love holding them close and cuddling in.
I love experiencing every milestone with them.
I even love their temper tantrums because it reveals passion.
I love being WITH them.
That’s when it hit me: This is what God wants from ME!
God loves to see me taking care of myself… taking care of others… living out my purpose. He’s always present, just like I’m present with my kids… but to be invited into the simplest, daily activities of our lives?
God loves walking alongside me.
God loves listening to the silliest rambling and chatter of my mind.
God loves to watch me grow… especially if I take a lesson in with it.
God loves holding me close… in joy or in my tears.
God loves when I experience my milestones THROUGH Him.
God even loves my passionate outbursts because I’m using the feelings He gave me.
God loves being with me.
Now, only if I’d invite Him along…
this was SO good, jenni! and exactly what i needed to hear tonight. i need to be more mindful (and intentional) to simply invite God into my moments.
I love how you invest relationally and so intentionally with our boys. They really love you and I know you really do love being a mom. Proud of you.
love you, babe! i couldn't and wouldn't want to do this without you!
i love living and working through life with you, my sweet alece! you teach me so much and challenge me in my thoughts to have more faith in the One who is faithFULL.
Nicole… thank you for hosting me. I don't know what I'm saying OR doing half the time, so the fact that you even want my words here is humbling and amazing all at the same time. thank you for letting me live some of my journey here with you.
love you… can't wait to give you a HUGE hug in July!
Dang, this is good.
I loved this post…
encourages me to try to connect with my boys more…..
I love this post and I love your heart. Thank you so much for allowing me to share it here. xoxoxo
This is beautiful, Jenni-I love it!! Thanks for sharing your heart and thoughts-they encouraged and inspired me today! :)
Seriously….
Isn't she an awesome mom!?