Motherhood

As I write this I’m sitting in the cove off the corner of my bedroom. My husband is downstairs working on a project, and I’ve just been interrupted a dozen times in the last half hour by children coming in to ask questions. Has there ever been a job more daunting than motherhood? It’s a never-ending job that can easily consume our every waking moment. I remember a time when I was pregnant with our first child and I didn’t think I’d be a very good mother. I remember thinking that if I were God I would choose someone else to raise the precious baby He had chosen just for me. But I was wrong. God chooses to partner with us in raising the next generation. It’s a powerful truth, isn’t it? He is up before we are, and He’s awake all night, watching over us and our children as our weary bodies recharge with much-needed rest. We have no greater job, no more awesome responsibility, and no more rewarding opportunity than to shape the hearts and minds of our children as we introduce them to the One who created them, died for them, and loves them with a fierceness that even we can’t understand. Stay in there for your kids, sweet mom. What you are doing matters more than you may ever know.

WHEN YOU NEED TO HEAR “YOUR KIDS ARE WORTH IT!” . . .

Children are a gift from the LORD;

they are a reward from him.

Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.

WHEN YOUR MOTHER’S HEART IS WEARY . . .

She is clothed with strength and dignity,

and she laughs without fear of the future.

When she speaks, her words are wise,

and she gives instructions with kindness.

She carefully watches everything in her household

and suffers nothing from laziness.

Her children stand and bless her.

Her husband praises her:

“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,

but you surpass them all!”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;

but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.