“You don’t work full time until you’re a mom,” was a quote from a Mother’s Day card that caught my eye. That is a strong statement, and one that I’m sure some would argue with. Having worked full-time both outside and inside the home, I agree that being a mom is a 24/7 responsibility. Even when a mom gets “alone time” she is usually still thinking about the kids. God has entrusted moms with an amazing and humbling task of raising the next generation of Jesus-loving children, but he doesn’t leave us alone to do it all. Sometimes moms can feel overwhelmed and alone, but he will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5).
God is the perfect Father to us and gave us the perfect gift of Jesus and the Holy Spirit to guide us when we ask for help. When I feel weary or discouraged, remembering Colossians 3:23–24 is encouraging:
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Are your kids complaining or arguing? It helps me to remember who I am serving: the Lord! If I’m serving him first, then he will give me what I need to love my family the way they need, rather than getting caught up in the frustration and emotion.
Are you tempted to compare your kids or parenting to others? It helps me to remember that I’m working for the Lord, not man. If my five kids are different from each other, then they will be different from other kids. Good parenting methods can be helpful but don’t work with every child. God made our children and will tell us how to raise each one.
Are you feeling unappreciated? It helps me to remember that my reward is an inheritance from the Lord. I may not hear a “thank you” or get paid for everything I do, but I know that God is pleased and my motives for serving are pure.
As soon as I take my eyes off Jesus, I feel weary, defeated, ill equipped, and sluggish. God has taught me so much about myself through parenting, but I have to be willing to have my eyes open. Usually the sin we see so clearly in them, is something we just did wrong ourselves. Parenting should bring us to repentance often, and in exchange there will be joy and freedom in the home as we are thankful for Jesus’ forgiveness over and over. Don’t be afraid to repent to your kids—it is a practical example and helps them do the same with you and others.
When the kids are little, it takes tons of physical energy and patience to be a mom.
God teaches me to pray without ceasing for them and with them.
As the kids get older it takes tons of emotional energy and continued patience to be a mom.
God teaches me to listen and be available for the trials and triumphs they are experiencing.
If children are truly a blessing as the Bible says, we need to make the sacrifices to train them consistently and wisely every day. If we are selfish, then they don’t feel like blessings because they will be selfish too.
I pray that this Mother’s Day, you are able to enjoy the children God has given to you. I pray that you feel appreciated and honored by them. I pray that you will work heartily and remember that when you serve them you are serving the Lord Christ!
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL THE MOTHERS!
You are a gift to your children!