Life as a mom of two with one on the way is challenging and fruitful. As our family has grown and our commitments to our church and work have also grown, we have found it necessary as a family to develop routines. The temptation I face when developing routines for our family is to lift that perfect routine up as my golden calf. I don’t even need something tangible to make an idol; a well-rounded schedule will do just fine.

In my attempts to prayerfully sacrifice my golden calf, I’ve turned to truth.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matt 6:19-21).

What does it look like to store treasures in heaven in the midst of real-life commitments and the continual demands of parenting, marriage, and work? When examining our routines and my intentions, I’ve drawn a few conclusions.

The Helpful Nature of Routines

In this season of life, routines keep us sane. When our routine is off-kilter, we pay the price in tears and tantrums. I know I need a few things every day: a shower, time to not interact with small people (even if it’s only a brief time), and most importantly, time to lift my eyes to my Father and set everything else in my day into perspective. There are some days I don’t get all these things. There are some days I don’t get any of these things. But I’m thankful my Father is there to love me even when my routines get thrown off by our crazy days.

The Importance of Rest

Rest has taken a priority in this season of carrying a child. Teaching my girls about resting as a family is valuable and there is gospel intentionality in that. Not everything can be done, and it’s in faith that we rest and trust that the maker of the universe will keep the world turning. That is a truth I preach to myself when I’m reminded to slow down.

Our Need for Community

Despite our current hectic life and the priority we have placed on rest, non-negotiables in our weekly schedule include three events: missional family, dinners with gospel opportunities, and discipleship. We make time for these things because they are eternal and because we have faith that the reward will be more valuable than other activities that provide instant pleasure and gratification.

I am finding the value in saying “no” to things while also finding value in saying “yes” to things that are eternal. This is not for an extra jewel in my crown, but for the freedom of trusting in the return on those investments. That return has nothing to do with me, but everything to do with the person and work of Jesus.