Check out these two definitions:
Intentional-done with intention or on purpose; intended.
Mama- (Slang Def): a sexually attractive, usually mature woman; one’s wife.
Hmmmm….definitely not what I thought Mama meant. It can also mean “mother,” but in the context of this post (which is definitely not what you think), we’re going with the slang definition.:) In the spirit of Valentine’s Day (ahem, I know some of us think Valentine’s Day is just another consumer marketing trap, but bear with me here….), I propose that we take up this slang definition of “Mama.”
Some days can be rough for mamas….trust me, I know; been there, done that sort of thing. Some days we’d rather pull the covers back over our head rather than get up to the screaming mayhem that has become the norm in our living room. We’d rather go dive into a big pool of creamy melted chocolate than have to peel another orange or fold another basket of laundry. Let’s be real here….we all have days like this, huh? I know I do. Don’t get me wrong; I consider my job as a mama to my boys a true blessing and an honored privilege, something I wouldn’t give up for anything, but as with any job, sometimes I’m just tired. Some people think that the “me time” that’s put out nowadays is a myth and not something we as women should concern ourselves with. I’m here to tell you that you need a little time for yourself. God has given you a job to do, yes, but even God realized that He needed a day of rest after a long week of creating the world, right? I think He understands our needs better than we do….
So, I propose this: I propose that you pick a day, just one day. I know some of us have babies and toddlers, and we’re all harried out and working hard to be the intentional mothers to our babies….to give them the best that we can through God’s grace. Sometimes when we’re focusing on them all of the time, we forget to look in the mirror….can I hear an “amen?” LOL Hey, I’m talking to myself here….on those rare days when I know that I don’t have to run the kids anywhere and I’m in my comfy clothes, no makeup, hair however….LOL (Just keepin’ it real here….you know you do it too.)
I propose that you take one day this next month, February, just one day….you pick the day. Get up that morning, and have something planned for yourself. You might have to plan for this ahead of time. I propose that you become an intentional mama not only for yourself but for your husband. Whether it involves you going to get that long-awaited haircut or even something as simple as soaking in a bathtub with a good book….do this for yourself. This doesn’t mean you have to take the whole day away from your kids, but just make plans for this day; times are totally up to you. Then, plan a date night for you and your husband. Surprise him; be intentional about it….plan something fun just for the two of you. I know this can be hard finding babysitters (we’re actually hoping to have an evening when our church has their babysitting program). If you can’t get away, plan a date night for after the kids are in bed….get take out and a movie. But just keep in mind that above definition….I think to be an intentional mother, every once in a while, we need to incorporate some slang and be that intentional mama.
Every marriage and every family should have an intentional mama, don’t you think?:)
To read more from Mel, visit her over at Real Heart Prints.
