Grace full mama

I can tend to be very task focused. It’s a blessing and a curse, as it means I’m often pretty good at finishing my to do list, but it sometimes leaves the people who depend on me feeling neglected. The floors sparkle and supper is stellar, and I sit there proud of my ability to do this with a 6 week old baby needing my attention; but my husband and kids haven’t gotten what they needed from me. I’ve listened with half an ear to their thoughts and questions. I’ve hugged with half my heart. I haven’t stopped and treated their hearts like they are more important than my dishes.

This day and age has really done a number on the perception of motherhood. On one hand, we are heroes just because we are mothers. We chose something hard, so that automatically makes us deserving of accolades, right? It doesn’t matter if our kids are attached to screens all day, or if we lose our temper, or if we are inconsistent in our discipline… we are still heroes worthy of a participation medal (no… we really aren’t). On the other hand, we feel unseen and unimportant. In a world where women are pursuing big careers and big dreams outside the home, being a stay at home mom of many is pretty out of vogue. We try and feel validated in our day to day of dishes, diapers, laundry, cuddles, corrections, and homework. But if you are anything like me you end the day feeling like there isn’t a lot to show for your 17,000 steps and sweat and tears. There is no paycheck, no promotion, no “status.” It can feel like motherhood is the obstacle, the hurdle in the way of the real work. As mothers we so often feel like we are “winning” if we can get all of our work done despite caring for our kids. Have you ever been asked “What do you do for work?”

“Oh, I’m a mama.”

“Yeah but what do you do?”

Mama. I’m here to tell you those kids are the job. They are the most valuable job you will ever have. You are making a bigger impact on the world with those kiddos than anyone with a bigtime career ever could. Those kids are going to shape a part of the world. Because they aren’t going to stay kids forever. You aren’t raising kids. You are raising adults. You are raising the future. Every single thing you do matters. You are shaping the next few generations.

Deuteronomy 6:2 says “That you may fear the Lord your God, to keep all his statutes and commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days might be prolonged.”

Deuteronomy 6:6&7 says “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

Our days might be prolonged. Ooph. This is our legacy. No one is going to remember how much money you made, or that awesome business deal you made. But your kids are going to go on to shape the future. Your imprint will be on their kids, and their kids, down through the generations. Every. Moment. Matters.

This is a profession. It is a ministry, and a high calling. This is life changing.

Your reactions matter. Your kids matter. You are not unseen, you are seen by Jesus, you are held up by his grace. So take a deep breath, knowing that your calling is worthy, and shape your mission field. Plan your day like motherhood is your business! Hold your head up high, daughter of the king, and show your kids that they matter. Show them every choice they make matters. Teach them when you get up, when you sit down, when you eat supper, about the goodness of God! Take on your profession with gusto mama’s!