This past January, my husband and I took time out for a little getaway.  We got up early on a Saturday morning, enjoyed a delicious breakfast in the DC airport, and then eagerly boarded our plane. After a few short hours, we found ourselves in the breathtakingly-beautiful state of New Mexico! We were even greeted with an adorable, homemade sign!

The days that followed were filled with amazing food, good coffee, early morning hugs from two toddlers,  late night conversations, and tours of some of Albuquerque’s most beautiful spots.  One day, while our two precious  toddler friends took their naps, their mom and I were able to sneak away for a short, ladies-only shopping time!  It was one of those visits with friends that leave you filled-to-the-brim refreshed and inspired, because those friends spend much time at the feet of Jesus.

Visits like the one my husband and I experienced are good for the soul! They breathe fresh life into what can often feel like  a mundane, day-to-day existence. Experiences like this are one of the reasons that God gave us the body of Christ – so that we can be used to give each other some life-giving “spiritual CPR“!

We need to experience this on a daily basis, don’t we?  We rise early each morning to face the same, seemingly-mundane routine, often forgetting why we are doing what we are doing.  We desperately need the “Word of Life” to breathe refreshment  into our souls so that we can offer that life to our children. When we spend time at the feet of Jesus, not only are we taking the time to do what is most needed – that which cannot be taken away – but we come away refreshed and inspired, longing to replicate all we have seen during our visit with the Savior of our souls.

“…but few things are needed–or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”  ~Luke 10:42

The most precious, life-giving parenting resource available comes in the form of God’s Holy Word. When we immerse ourselves in it, asking for God to show us our heart and his truth, we will have what we need to move forward and the ability to show our children all that He has shown us: Love, life, instruction and  discipline, all gifted to us and beautifully wrapped in unlimited Grace!

Although there may be times we wish that there were a parenting guidebook that would tell us exactly what to do, I think God’s plan is so much better. Because when we spend time with Him and see how he parents us, we not only grow in our love for our Father and are given glimpses into a father’s heart, but we can walk away with the strength we need to live that grace out with our own children.

In the same way our friends greeted us with a beautiful welcome sign, God eagerly waits for you to sit at his feet, wanting to give you the refreshment you need for this lifelong calling called parenthood. Take time today to renew your mind and ask God to give you the life you need and the ability to replicate that life and grace with your children.

**Gina is the manager and mentor at The BoyRaiser Tribe! Details about The BoyRaiser Tribe can be found HERE!  Come and join us! We’d love to have you!