Cultivating intimacy with Christ when the days are long

The other night I was sharing a frustration with Zach.

You see, in the past, whenever I was going through a spiritually dry season in my spiritual walk I simply leaned in a little more - a longer Bible time, perhaps going a little deeper in my study time, a longer prayer time.

A simple increase in my quiet time was generally all I needed to gain greater intamacy with Jesus.

But now I’m a mom.

I’m waking up several times a night (we’re still working on that 1 AM feeding time!), I have constant demands on my time, schedules to keep and a what seems like a thousand questions to answer each day from my 8 year old.

I told Zach, “I can’t possibly believe that I’m just supposed to settle for less of Jesus in this season of my life.”

Somehow speaking those words out loud was what I needed to move forward.

Of course not. Of course Jesus isn’t offering me less in a season where I feel a greater need for His joy, strength and wisdom.

So what’s a tired mom to do?

I’m not entirely sure yet, but I felt a challenge to my soul the moment I spoke those words and I’m after more.

I began to think how often I could invite more of the presence of Jesus into my day.

How privildged I am to teach my boys at home and the spiritual conversations, children’s devotionals, hymn singing we get to participate in in our morning routine.

The simple ability to play worship music and sermons while prepping lunch and dinner.

The practice of praying without ceasing all throughout my day.

It is perhaps a great discipline. It requires a mental discipline for a tired brain.

But if I believe that He is the source of life for my weariness, the fountain of joy that never runs dry for my often burdened down soul, then wouldn’t I run to it? Wouldn’t I give anything for a drop?

Motherhood is no excuse for less of Jesus. The walk of motherhood can only be walked well when we have the river of His life running through our veins.

My life looks different now, sometimes it feels less spiritual to seek Jesus while rocking a baby to sleep instead of an hour of inductive Bible study.

But Jesus is here. He’s available to me in ready supply and I will daily choose to drink from His well.