Filling Up the Mothering Tank

I'm in a MOPS kind of mood today, having just returned from the MOPS national convention this weekend. Any mother with kids from infants to almost kindergartners,who needs to feel affirmed, honored, loved, included, among friends, understood, appreciated, and lightened, join your local MOPS group if you haven't already. Then reserve your spot at next year's convention, again in Nashville (Aug 5-7).

Our 3,700 hearts were filled by the worship music of Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, Matthew West, Plumb, and Natalie Grant. Yes, in person. (It's hard to beat the awed expressions on your kids' faces when you crank up the radio and say, "I met this artist. She sang for us this weekend.") We heard inspiring messages from pastoral leaders, comedians, and others we'd never heard of before but won't forget now. We were challenged by experts in the fields of mothering, education, writing, theology, business, and more.

We laughed til we cried and cried til our makeup washed away. We texted our way around the hotel or tweeted about getting lost in the confusing layout. Yes, a GPS system inside the Gaylord would have come in handy. We stayed up too late, giggling and snacking with our girlfriends, and spent hours debating theology, Africa, and God-given passions.

Did you know the difference between Batgirl and Wonder Woman? Me, neither. But I like it... Batgirl uses a cool-looking mask and cape plus a bunch of gadgets on her belt, her bike, her car, her wrists, her boots...all kinds of tools to make her look more like Batman. Wonder Woman, on the other hand, is a born super power. Her abilities come from within--super strength, super speed, stamina, flight, and cunning. She also has a few tools to help her win the day--the Lasso of Truth, an invisible plane, and indestructible bracelets.

With Christ in us, we are like Wonder Woman--our supernatural qualities come from Him and live within us. We do not need a mask or costume or fancy gadgets to make us look powerful or significant--we already ARE! The Spirit of God empowers us to live rightly, mother wisely, forgive quickly, work diligently, and love well.

That illustration is just a glimpse of the encouraging truths we MOPS absorbed this weekend. How refreshing and invigorating!

My caffeine levels are sinking back to normal. Time for a nap!