I started a one word devotional series awhile back and today I’d like to add to it with a really big word:
Love.
and a little about an organization known as MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers.
From Wikipedia
Love is a variety of different feelings, states, and attitudes that ranges from interpersonal affection (“I love my mother”) to pleasure (“I loved that meal”). It can refer to an emotion of a strong attraction and personal attachment.[1] It can also be a virtue representing human kindness, compassion, and affection—”the unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another”.[2] It may also describe compassionate and affectionate actions towards other humans, one’s self or animals.[3]
It’s so easy to talk about how much I love my husband, children and family. But with this post, I’d like to offer up why I love MOPS. In case you’ve never heard of it, MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. It’s an organization that relies on volunteer moms to head up a steering committee, and a group of paid folks to provide childcare so the MOPS moms can meet and encourage each other in their role as moms.
MOPS groups can form at churches, libraries, schools – anywhere that a group of moms can gather together and support each other.
This year’s theme is “Be You, Braverly.” I watched the promo video and it is very nice and poetic, but I had a hard time wrapping my brain around it all until I started looking at some photos from some of our MOPS meetings last year. And you know what? I say, be you – just the way you are.
Love knows no limits, we’re called to love one another – right where we are at, and just the way we are. And you know what I can tell you about MOPS women?- They are spectacular. They are beautiful. They are wacky. And.oh.so.fun! And I’m thankful I am called to love my fellow moms and be brave about this mom thing alongside them. I truly look forward to getting together with my MOPS friends this year.
Beloved reader, whether it’s MOPS or some other group of women – I encourage you to reach out and get plugged in with a group. It’s been a source of encouragement and inspiration to me. I’ve made some new friends and my kids have too. Being brave and doing this mom thing – it’s so much more fun when it’s done together!
Why I love MOPS
Most of our meeting-time is spent listening to speakers and talking about how we can be better moms. {But those pictures would be boring.} Just in case you were wondering what crazy things we moms are up to in order to keep ourselves sane…
Moms have laser-sharp zen-like focus.
MOPS moms love a great contest – like our MOPS Olympics last year – and boy, are they fast!
We enjoy supporting the needs of our community. These are a few of the gifts we prepared for others in need.
We even decided to have a pajama party – right in the middle of the day. Who says being a mom has to be all work and no play?
Bottom line is this — MOPS moms are a little like Olaf {from the movie Frozen} – we like warm hugs!
If you don’t have a MOPS in your area, check out the website and find out how you can start one. “Necessity is the mother of invention” my mom would always say.
And if you’re not sure if you want to join a MOPS, I can tell you it’s a great gang of women who would love to have you join. We’re just trying to be ourselves, “Braverly”. Oh, and did I mention we’re all a little wacky, crazy, funny, and loving too? We’d love to have you.
Know the mamma of a preschooler? Remember, we all like warm hugs. Hug a fellow mama, or a caretaker of preschoolers, today!
In His Grip,
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