You are an amazing mom. Just take a look at your amazing children! Full of possibility and promise. They are your greatest gift and reward (Psalm 127:4).
Being a mother doesn't come free of struggle, difficulty, and hardship. Many moments in my life were filled with imperfect moments that overwhelmed me with stress. It is easy for us to sometimes imagine what else we could be doing. A more glamorous job, something overseas, something with meaning.
In the midst of the mundane tasks of laundry, cleaning, cooking meals, and bathing children, we often forget how incredibly important the task of motherhood truly is. God has entrusted us with lives to steward. We are responsible for the growth and education of these little lives that have the ability to flourish into world changers. Our children are the future of our culture. This generation will face many battles, and God has given us the job of preparing them for combat.
No meal, clean house, or blog article is more important than mothering your precious children. Psalm 127:3 says:
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward."
I am fully aware that in the midst of children fighting, a cluttered home, and extremely loud noises, you may not be viewing your children as a reward. Your patience, grace, love, and understanding in those moments of stress are what will cultivate your children into healthy, flourishing adults.
Never forget that God has a plan and a purpose for your life as a mother. He must think highly of you, as has trusted you with the most important job.
"The ultimate key to providing a nurturing environment in my home is me.
The physical surroundings can make a big difference. The lessons provided can be interesting. The curriculum I choose can challenge.
In the end, though, what my children and husband need most from me is not a perfect home
or perfect training
or a perfectly spiritual role model
or a wife without faults--
but a mother and wife who is committed to doing whatever it takes to love them and make a living home for them and to fully live the life of Christ in the borders of this home in such a way, that they understand, feel, taste His reality."
~Sally Clarkson,
I hope you have a lovely Mother's Day. I know God is celebrating you!
It's been a treat to read all your comments about motherhood here--my team and I are praying for so many of you! I hope you'll win one of our prizes this weekend-- one of four motherhood book bundles! A copy in each of The Ministry of Motherhood, Own Your Life, and The Lifegiving Home. To enter (if you haven't already) just let us know ... what would be included in your perfect Mother's Day? Leave your answer in a comment below! We'll draw winners and announce them here on the blog Monday morning!