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Are you a good steward of your relationships? Do you make time for your spouse? Do you encourage your children? 

If you struggle to answer any of these questions, know that you will have a tough time pouring into others if you don’t first pour into yourself.

In this episode of The Sister Circle Podcast, I sit down with Michael Todd, lead pastor of Transformation Church and bestselling author. His latest book, “A Cup of Love: Relationship Goals for Kids,” was inspired by a moment he shared with his oldest daughter, Bella. Through an illustration using a pitcher and cups of water, Michael explained to Bella the importance of God pouring into his marriage so that the overflow would spill over to his children. 

You don’t want to miss our conversation. We chat about the importance of being good stewards of relationships by:

  • Taking care of yourself
  • Making time for your spouse
  • Cultivating the gifts in children

Before you try to focus on the people in your life, you have to take a step back and check in with you. How are you really doing? Do you need to make time for yourself? 

Take care of yourself

Do things that fill your cup. If you’re not sure where to begin, start slow. Pick up an old hobby or try something new. Explore Pinterest for a yummy recipe and cook a meal. Soak up some fresh air. Watch your favorite movie. Take a relaxing bubble bath. Read the Word. Do things that give you the freedom to feel like you’re your most authentic self. 

If you need to go deeper with your self-care, try sharing your feelings with a trusted friend or journal your thoughts. You can’t pour from an empty cup. 

Make time for your spouse

When was the last time you and your spouse went out for a date night? If it takes a while for you to remember, then it’s time to plan one. Spending time with the one you love gives you a chance to reconnect and fall in love again. Is there someone you trust to watch your children, even if it’s just for a little while? If not, don’t let that stop you. Schedule a night to get the kids to bed early and watch a good movie together. 

Your children need to see you prioritize your marriage. If you are blessed to parent with a spouse, you have to first pour into the relationship so that the overflow extends to your children and your community.

Cultivate the gifts in children

Parenting comes with the great responsibility of calling out the gifts in children. Sometimes, their strengths may come out in annoying or frustrating ways. But it’s your job to speak life into your little ones. The words you speak over them will become their inner voice. Call out the things that make them special. Help them develop their gifts and watch them shine.

The truth of the matter is that children have access to so much. As a parent, if you don’t step in and guide them in the way they should go, someone else will. 

If you’re not a parent, are there children in your life that you can pour into? Your presence in their life could make all the difference in their well-being.

Whether you realize it or not, your children are getting the overflow of whatever you pour into yourself. When your cup runneth over with God’s love, you are able to love your people well (Psalm 23:5).

Highlights from Today’s Episode

  • Taking care of yourself
  • Making time for your spouse
  • Cultivating the gifts in your children

Related Resources

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Other Stuff to Check Out

Let’s Talk!

  1. What do you do to replenish when your cup is empty?
  2. How can you make time for your spouse? If you’re not married, how can you make time for your loved ones?
  3. What gifts do you see in the children in your life? How can you help them grow in their gifting?

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