Wednesday, January 6, 2016

A Mother's work is never done


Just wait one second...Mommy has to do one more thing...I am almost done...I still need to do the dishes...

This is what comes out of my mouth on a daily and hourly basis. I hate that I can't always respond to my children when they want me to. I am desperately asking God to give me wisdom and grace in my time management department. When my children need me to give them my attention I always try to put them first and stop what I am doing; hear them out and then tell them that I need to finish what I am doing before I can play with them or help them in whatever their area of need.

It seems that no matter how hard I try to stay on top of things; new things keep piling up. I wish there was some way I could feed my children and they would never be hungry again, do the dishes and they would not pile up again, put away the laundry and it stay put. But if I am honest with myself; I love caring for my family though of course there are times when I wish they didn't need so much care! There will be a day when all my physical work is done for them and I know I will miss these days.

But right now I am trying to find the balance of caring for their physical needs along with their emotional and spiritual needs. I always feel like I am playing catch up and think if I can just get this done then I can give my kids more of my attention. The truth is now is the time. I don't know the answer to my dilemma but I am learning to lean on Christ and do what I can to the best of my ability. I am learning to incorporate my children in doing those things that must be done. I am learning to cry out to God for help when I just don't feel like cleaning up another mess. I am learning to see beyond this world, when being faithful in the mundane is not always fun.

It's not pleasant to be woken up in the night by a flood of liquid coming from a toddler whose diaper has overflown, it's not fun trying to eat and feel like you are being surrounded by a flock of vultures. It's not always enjoyable to be pestered a thousand times a day for a cup of water. It's hard wonderful work...but oh, the rewards. Our job is not paid in dollar bills or recognition but in kisses, hugs, and sweet indiscernible words of love. This work we have to do does not start and stop at a specific hour, it is constant and around the clock. There are no days off and plenty of overtime. It's a job that is never done and that is how it should be. Because not only are our children learning and growing but so are we; right alongside them. God has so much that he wants to teach us through this labor of love and I am so thankful that he will finish the work he began in us... as mothers.

"He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6

17 comments:

  1. I'm totally right there with you. I work full time and then come home and try to have to be a mom and wife, manage my home and get dinner on the table. I never feel like I have enough time. I too have been seeking wisdom when it comes to time management. I desperately want to fulfill all my responsibilities with grace, all the while investing wholeheartedly into my kids. As you said, our work is never done but He'll get us through.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh wow, you sure are juggling a lot of hats. I am so thankful that God carries us as we care for our families and gives us so much grace!

      Delete
  2. Your speaking to my heart right now. Love this!! Thanks so much.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is so good. Thanks for these words. This is my daily struggle too.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is so good. Thanks for these words. This is my daily struggle too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Amen, Rebekah! This is a never ending struggle for me, too, and I think it will be until they are all grown and moved out. As you said, I'm thankful He is teaching me right along with my little guys as each day I learn more and more to be the mother He is calling me to be.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great points. Sometimes it's so much more important that we stop and play with or cuddle with our little ones than finish checking off our lists.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I struggle with this as well. I have been learning that sometimes it is good for them to wait and learn or we will work together, and sometimes I drop everything and play.

    ReplyDelete
  8. So good! Thanks for sharing this! I've noticed that as my oldest wants to help me more with the chores, if I let her help (even if it isn't perfect) we get to learn and grow and spend more time together!

    ReplyDelete
  9. It's bittersweet to have our kids get older but there are definite perks!

    ReplyDelete
  10. So very true! We are all learning something as we raise a family! Thank you for sharing this on the Art of Home-Making Mondays Rebekah! :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Very true. Just remember that even though it's nice to respond immediately to our children's needs, sometimes when we are delayed it is a good opportunity for them to learn patience. I can definitely identify with the cup of water request. I'm thinking I should set up a water dispenser at kid level for those who are old enough to dispense their own drink or make up colour coded water bottles on the bench they can access when needed.

    ReplyDelete

Share your heart with us friends. We respond to every comment and would love to connect with you. :)

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow." -Ecclesiastes 4:9