Make Me Smile Monday - Guest Post

Today's guest post is written by Julie-Anne from "The Fruitful Mom". Julie-Anne is a mother of 6. I would say that her greatest passions are her children, her husband, loving God and encouraging other mothers to thrive in motherhood, not just survive. All of these passions come together on her blog. She's a talented writer, trained as a Doula and homeschools her children. You might say she's kind of a supermom! Athough she would tell you (and rightly so) she's leaning on and trusting in God to be her strength. Thank-you Julie-Anne for todays post!

Life Needs Gravy

When Brenna invited me to guest post on today’s Make Me Smile Monday, it really felt like a blessing! Sometimes blessings come in small, simple gestures we do for each other. I’m a “growing” writer and this invitation was like a big hug saying, go on...I believe in you!

It’s these special things we do for each other in friendship and as family that makes life more, shall we say, delicious?  Kind of like gravy on the turkey and mashed potatoes we eat at Christmas. Life needs gravy.

I’ve been reading about love lately – God-love! I came across this declaration:

“Even if I dole out all that I have [to the poor in providing] food, and if I surrender my body to be burned or in order that I may glory, but have not love (God's love in me), I gain nothing.” 1 Cor 13:3 (AMP)

I have adapted it:

Even if I spend my days in the kitchen making the most delicious meals for my family or baking goodies for a local bake sale to raise money for a good cause, and if I surrender my body and energy to meticulous housecleaning in order that I may glory in my homemaking, but have not love (God’s love in me), I gain nothing.

Because, love is the gravy of life. It’s the cranberry sauce and all the trimmings on the Christmas table. It’s all the extra little acts of love that sweeten our children’s lives and flavour our husband’s day. Simple acts of love are what make your loved ones smile on Mondays and every other day of the week.

What does this gravy-love look like?

For me, it looks like taking the time to listen to my 7 year old’s stories about epic lego battles. It looks like making ornaments with my teenage daughter out of Styrofoam balls, old book pages, mod podge and glitter even though the laundry is piling up. It looks like a shoulder rub for my husband after a long, tiring day at work. It looks like making chicken sandwiches for my hungry teenager (even though he can make them himself) because every mom knows that the way to a teenage boy’s heart is through his stomach! It means asking God for ideas on how to reach my spirited four year-old’s heart! It means taking the time to do all the little things that make my family smile, sing and cheer!

When Christmas and motherhood collide into one busy season this year, and you feel like you’re chasing a million to-do lists, make love your greatest quest. I just know He will inspire you to pour some God-love on your loved ones too!