Yesterday was Mother’s Day – a day that brings with it different emotions for each one of us. For some, it can be a reminder of what they’ve lost while for others, it’s a reminder of what they want more than anything but have not yet been able to experience. For another group of people, it’s a time to recognize and celebrate the wonderful women in their lives. For some it’s a combination of these.
For me, Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate my mom, who I happen to think is pretty awesome! Growing up, my mom was definitely my mother and not necessarily my friend, but she always supported whatever I wanted to do without trying to impose her own thoughts on me of who I should be and what I should pursue. She wasn’t perfect and she had her share of flaws and mistakes, but I never doubted that she loved me, wanted the best for me, and did all that she could to help me grow into the person God made me to be. And you know what, she still does! As an adult now myself, I’ve come to think of her as one of my very best friends and I’m lucky to still have her in my life.
In this week’s message, Pastor Bryan mentioned two types of time from the Bible – chronos and kairos. While it’s important to recognize both types of time, it’s the “kairos” version of time that often has the most meaning in our lives. There are so many memories that I have of times with my mom, but most of them are not specific in terms of month/day/year/time. They are more general experiences. Singing our special song to me as she tucked me into bed at night. Sitting through another hour of dance class, watching me from behind a window. Taking a family vacation to Disney World when I was 12 and letting me be the tour guide. (I had researched extensively and knew exactly what to do and where to go!) Attending every single performance of the high school spring musical, even though I was only a chorus member. All of these memories took place in “chronos” time, and I know that there were a million things she needed to do in a week’s time, as do all mothers, but whether or not she recognized all of those times as important “kairos” moments, she took advantage of them and created moments and memories for me that I will always treasure.
I’m also blessed to have other godly women in my life who I can go to and rely on for their wisdom and their friendship. I have had “kairos” moments with each of them as well, which are also cherished memories. I also have the love of God, who has promised to comfort me (Isaiah 66:13), cover me (Psalm 91:14), and give me refuge in the shadow of His wings (Psalm 57:1.) No matter what your experience of “mother” is here on earth, I encourage you to lean into the love of God, which far surpasses any earthly love we will ever know. You are being loved by Him right now and He wants nothing but the best for you! Ask Him to help you recognize "kairos" moments and make the most of them in your life.
Conversation Starter
Share a memory from childhood that was a stand-out moment for you.
Question 1:
This week Pastor Bryan said we tend to think of our time in a chronos mindset. We think of having 24 hours in a day, the number of hours that we work, the list of things to do and only so much time to get everything done. Do you agree with his statement? Why or why not?
Question 2: Read Psalm 90:12
Why might a chronos mindset not be a bad thing? What can we gain from numbering our days, and what do you think it looks like to number our days?
Question 3: Read Ephesians 5:15-16
Here we see Paul talking with a kairos mindset on time. What’s the difference between chronos and kairos? (Ans: chronos implies a specific amount of time while kairos implies a moment, season, or opportunity)
Question 4:
What is the benefit of viewing our time as opportunities flying by? How can we truly live the way Paul is asking us to in the verses we just read and make the most of every opportunity?
Question 5:
How will you take hold of the moments in your life and make them into moments that make a difference?
Prayer Focus:
Thank God for all the mother figures in your life! Ask God to help you not only number your days so that we can gain a heart of wisdom, but also to help you to live wisely, making the most of every opportunity.