Why Parents May Not Want to Have It All

In Matthew 6:31 (MSG) Jesus says, “What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving.”

There’s a common theme echoing through our culture these days. Popular books and viral web articles of every length and angle tell a story of less is more. Minimal, classic wardrobes are in, simplified meal planning means more time spent out of the kitchen and repurposing household items leaves more room in the budget. As backpacks fill up and school year activities resume, families across the metro might be asking themselves, is having it all truly worth having it all?

 As a mom, I see the consequences of too much—of even good things—in ungrateful attitudes, temper tantrums and discontent little people. How many parents negotiate the ill effects of too much screen time? Have you witnessed the sensory overload crash following a Chuck E. Cheese birthday party?  How many times have you had one of these thoughts?: “If I could just declutter and organize this play area, my kids would enjoy it more?” “If our weekends weren’t so busy, we’d have the energy to get up for church on Sunday mornings.” Why are we surprised when we, as adults, experience the same unwanted outcomes when we try to have it all? We as individuals, as families, as communities, as a generation, are looking for ways to find lasting joy and authentic peace in a world made for more.

Jesus didn’t offer ideas on how to control our desire for more. He offers the ultimate fulfillment of it. In Matthew 6:31 (MSG) Jesus says, “What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving.” His words in Matthew Chapter 5 are as applicable today as they were two thousand years ago: “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.”

Jesus’ words speak right to my mothering heart. I want my daughters to be content with the unique people God made them to be and grateful stewards of God’s gifts in their lives. My hope for their future is that they embrace being a daughter of God and the freedoms attached to that relationship. As a parent, not “having it all” means I’m leaving space for God to work and move in our family. It’s trusting Him to fill our blank spaces with eternal purpose.

Faith & Family columnist Jena Meyerpeter is from Lenexa.