Love the mission of MOPS and that it is very evangelistic and outreach-oriented to moms. I love that it is seasonal...in that it is relevant to the crazy season of motherhood to preschoolers.
It amazes me that women (with children checked into kid care) sitting at a table with food, conversation, and a craft find the refreshment and encouragement they need to carry on with their weeks ahead.
As with most 'church' functions, I feel that there is that lingering pressure to show up, 'all together' and smile and nod, and say the most positive things we can think of.
Yes, we need to be hopeful about life, and as leaders, we are reminders that hope is found in Christ. But sometimes, we can find ourselves in an overwhelming situation, hopeless day, or just a dumpy, depressed week.....or season.
Consider what MOPS stands for: Mothers Of PreSchoolers!
Think there's not a major influx of hormonal emotions walking in the door? We've got fertile women, pregnant women, pms-ing women, post-partum women walking in the door. We are all one of the above, right? So honestly, is it a realistic expectation to believe all women who head into those meetings and play dates will all be thrilled about their life on that particular day?
(Just some perspective....)
So this morning, as I look at my list of Table Leaders whom I am working with. I have their name and what is on my heart to being praying for them about written down on a notecard. Some work, others have husbands still growing in the Lord. Some are pregnant, and others with a whirlwind going on in their lives. Long story short: They all need prayer.
Now, by no means is that a bad thing. I need prayer. Daily. Hourly. Really.
Which brought me to a question I journaled to the Lord today:
WHAT DO I NEED TO BE TO THEM?
This is the only way I know how to serve the Lord: ASK GOD HOW.
In the scope of ministry, there are always lists of things to do for the 'position/role'....but God knows each and every one of our lives and He knows what we each need....He knows what those in your group need. So....ask Him: What do I need to be to them?
After asking the Lord, "what do I need to be to them?"
These words were on my heart: AN EXAMPLE.
Now, the comical thing is our 'theme/title' of MOPS this year is....are you ready?
A BEAUTIFUL MESS!!!!
I laughed with God. And then I wrote down in my journal 'an example'...and then I looked over at my MOPS binder saw the theme logo:.
I was so relieved.
I am a great example
of a mess!!!!!
of a mess!!!!!
God picked the right person for the job!
Interestingly enough, last night I was chatting with my husband and he asked me something to the effect of: WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE OPEN UP TO YOU?
My response: They do?
His reply: Yea, people tell you all kinds of stuff.
I thought for a moment and came up with a couple of potential reasons why I have friends and even strangers open up to me:
1. I don't judge. (I know my own past and present.)
2. I'm transparent. (I share my past and present.)
Maybe I share 'too much' according to others (those who don't share anything). But I have found that in ministry especially, I cannot let others think for one second I have it all together! Cause 1) I don't. and 2) I want to remain approachable.
Have you met those leaders who live the façade, as though they got a great life, great marriage, and great kids. They always look great, feel great, and have a great future!!!! Yea, I've met them...not really ever approached them or gotten to really know them. And then I've been greatly 'confused' when they failed....or should I say, made a mistake....But then not really disappointed because they are human....which I think they forgot.
My point is that I will continually share that I am a mess. My life is less than perfect. My marriage is less than perfect. My personality has many flaws. My kids are less than perfect. I am an imperfect wife and mom...an imperfect woman....Yet a beautiful mess!!!
And that's okay. I am okay with all this 'inadequacy' because I serve a PERFECT GOD!
I have the Spirit of God dwelling in me. The beauty of being a mess is that when beauty and anything good comes out of me...it is directly from the Lord Jesus Christ!
And that to me is the ultimate experience: TO BE USED BY GOD.
So what can we be?
- We can be used by God.
- We can be transparent.
- We can be real.
- We can be US.
- You can be YOU.
We can be examples of people
who are living this thing called LIFE,
completely dependent on God!!!!!
I often remind people to not think too highly of me because I will surely disappoint them. I am human, in need of a Savior - DAILY! If anything good comes out of me, it is surely because I know that I am nothing apart from Christ (John 15:5). Yet I show up daily to His feet for the grace and mercy to be all that He calls me to be...as a mom, wife, friend, daughter, woman of God, and 'table leader coordinator' for MOPS.
So with that, I hope that you're encouraged that God will use you because you are willing. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to 'perform' for those watching.
Although, do your best to be a disciple of Christ and show up to get filled with His Spirit so that you can do all that you have to do in HIS STRENGTH!
God bless and have a great week!
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