God time: the ultimate self-care for moms
We hear it everywhere: self-care matters. Take a bath, light a candle, go for a walk. And while those things are good, I’ve found something that fills me up in a deeper, lasting way—something that makes me a better mom, wife, and friend.
It’s not just alone time.
It’s not just a break from the noise.
What fills me the most is time with God and His Word.
Why God time changes everything
This past month, I experimented with moving my devotional time around—sometimes in the morning, sometimes in the evening, sometimes catching a verse here or there during the day. And here’s what I found: any time with God matters, but starting my day with Him changes everything.
When I’m filled with His Word, it’s easier to love my kids—not because I’ve dug deeper into my own reserves, but because His love is spilling out of me. I don’t have to muster up patience on my own; it comes as an overflow of His Spirit.
Even on the mornings when my kids roll out of bed grumpy, I can greet them with joy because I’ve already been filled up by the Lord.
An experiment that surprised me
One night, I decided to let Scripture play softly as I slept. Hour after hour, God’s Word washed over me. When I woke up, my spirit felt alive and my heart was at peace. Parenting that morning felt lighter, even joyful, because I had been marinated in God’s truth all night long.
That’s when it clicked: I don’t just need rest for my body, I need constant renewal for my spirit. And there’s no better source than His presence.
Parenting from overflow
Parenting from a full cup—overflowing with God’s love—is so much different than parenting from an empty one. When I give Him my first fruits each day, the stress doesn’t drain me as quickly. I’m slower to anger, quicker to love, and steadier in peace.
It’s not about checking a box or being “religious.” It’s about starting from the only place that can truly sustain me.
A gentle challenge
Mama, maybe mornings aren’t your best time right now—and that’s okay. Each season with kids looks different. But I want to encourage you: experiment. Try different rhythms until you find what fills you most.
Because the ultimate self-care isn’t found in a bubble bath—it’s found in God’s presence. And when you’re filled with Him, your whole family is blessed by the overflow.
