No Rules

I am terrible at devotionals. I buy yearly ones, mom ones, pretty ones, and think, “This time I’m going to read the whole thing perfectly. On time, too!” As soon as I miss one day (week, month…), though, I’m crushed — Ashamed! How could anything on my to-do list be more important than this devotional?

Years ago, one of my best friends gave me a book for Christian moms. I thought the book was a devotional, and (just like always) I was committed to “doing it right.” But when I eagerly opened up the book and found no dates, instructions, or timetables, I was confused. 

I texted her. “Do you read one a day? A week? Is it not really like a devotional?”

She responded, “I just read it whenever I can.”

Released from expectations, I began reading the chapters at will. Sometimes reading one or two devotionals at a time. Other times reviewing a story I enjoyed from weeks back. I never felt like I was behind or not showing up for Christ. And every devotional really fed my weary-mother soul.

It dawned on me recently that this is what Christianity was always supposed to be like. Christianity was never meant to be a list of rules. The Gospel doesn’t start with, “Now let me tell you the rules!” It starts with, “Let me tell you what Jesus has done.”

When we read and reflect on the acts of love, mercy, and grace our Father unconditionally spent on us, we are naturally compelled to act the same.

Mama, when you’re knee-deep caring for babes on their own schedules, don’t let your faith feel like a checklist. Christ isn’t keeping score. He’s inviting you into rest, into relationship, into a love that sustains you on the busiest days. Open His Word when you can, whisper prayers as you fold laundry, sing worship songs in the car. Tell your children you do things for them because Jesus did them for you. These little moments matter. His love will meet you there, no rules required.

Emily

Have more time? Read about God’s love in 1 John, chapters 3 and 4.

P.S. The book is Out of the Spin Cycle by Jen Hatmaker. It’s my favorite book to buy for my favorite people because one of my favorite people bought it for me. If you buy it, I pray it brings you as much peace as it continues to bring me.