Perhaps you have felt as I have that you must defend your existence if you are "just a mom". That somehow you are inferior or less interesting than the woman that has a job outside of the home. After all, a twelve year old girl can babysit. But babysitting is not parenting.
Being a mother is a high test of Spirit-filled living! It takes energy, commitment, discipline, discernment. It is the practical working out of Galatians 5:24 -- Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with it's passions and desires. Do you desire sleep? Do you desire peace? Quiet? Some time of your own? Do you desire to be appreciated? To see results? Mothering means daily laying down those desires as you walk worthy of your calling. Every day brings new opportunities to die to ourselves, to say no to our selfishness and instead choose to embrace love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self-control. Wow! Impossible without God. Our weakness and frailty are overwhelming, but his strength is made perfect in weakness.
So many times I am completely confused -- at a loss for direction. But God says, if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all who ask. How I need that wisdom. I am so inadequate for this task, but we must persevere. Someday we may look back on our lives and say with Paul, "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." Can you imagine hearing God say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." Of course at that point we will fall on our knees knowing the foolishness of thinking we had achieved anything -- knowing that it is only by His power and faithfulness that we can be faithful.
We are walking in the footsteps of Jesus. Imitating Him as we walk in love, giving ourselves up for others -- a fragrant offering and pleasing sacrifice to God. We may never see all the harvest from the seeds we have sown, but out of faith continue to nurture and train your children in the Lord.
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