As parents, we often feel pressure to create perfect, Pinterest-worthy activities for our kids. We want to provide them with enriching experiences, teach them about God’s love, and create lasting memories. But what if I told you that you don’t need a perfectly planned lesson or activity to do just that?
Tonight, I set out to organize our craft bin – a giant Sterilite container overflowing with supplies. My 3-year-old wanted to “help,” and I’m trying to say yes whenever possible, even when it’s inconvenient. So, we dove in together, and two hours later, all three of my kids (4, 3, and 2 years old) were still seated at the table, creating and exploring with the craft supplies. It wasn’t the organizing project I had planned, and it certainly wasn’t Pinterest-worthy. But it was developmental, creative, hands-on, and full of laughter.
It quickly turned into an impromptu creative session. Craft supplies were scattered everywhere, and my kids were completely absorbed in the process of creating. As we worked together, we had a conversation about how God created everything – the colors, shapes, and textures we were playing with, the beauty of the world around us, and the unique qualities of each person in our family. We listened to a kids’ song about creation, and it sparked a great discussion about God’s role as the ultimate Creator.
In that moment, I realized that the unstructured creativity was actually a blessing. It allowed us to slow down, be present, and engage with each other in a way that felt organic and authentic. It was an impromptu lesson that was spiritually rewarding in ways I never could have planned.
The story of Mary and Martha in the Bible reminds us of the importance of being present in the moment. While Martha busied herself with preparations, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, soaking in His presence. Let’s not get caught up in the Martha mentality, feeling like we need to create perfect activities, meals, and such for our families.
We do not need a Pinterest-perfect activity or a carefully planned lesson. Instead, let’s prioritize being present with our families, soaking in the moments, and letting God’s truth seep into our conversations and activities. In the midst of the laughter and learning, we can still point our children to Jesus, and that’s what truly matters.
You don’t need to be a perfect parent or a crafty mom to raise kids who know and love Jesus. You just need to show up, be present, and point them to Him. Don’t compare yourself to others or feel discouraged by curated content that makes you feel like you’re not doing enough. You’re doing more than enough, and your worth isn’t defined by your Pinterest board.
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