The unseen nature of a mother’s work is often the most challenging. “Has anybody noticed?” we ask ourselves. “Do they know how tired I am?”
No accolades, promotions, or acclaim in this daily work. It can lead us to all kinds of reactions. From feeling invisible and unappreciated, to deciding to rather go back to work, or to frustration and anger…or where I went – self pity.
Self pity looks like this: “Couldn’t anyone else take the laundry off the line before it rained?” or “Did anyone even thank me for the dinner they just ate?”; “I’ve been up all night, and he hasn’t even made me a cup of tea!”; “I’m taking care of everyone..who is going to take care of me?”
We so desperately want to be known, noticed and acknowledged and cared for. But the reality is that what we do in the privacy of our home, or the stillness of the night, or the aloneness of the day won’t be noticed, praised or acclaimed. In the same way that we probably don’t realise what our neighbour is doing or going through. In the same way that we probably don’t notice or appreciate the things our husband does daily, or understand the pressures he may be under.
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 3:23 (NLT)
It’s a fallen world. We all fall short. We are sinners married to sinners. And it will do us well to make peace with the fact that our work as wife and mother will largely go unnoticed and unappreciated.
But God!
What joy to know that Our Lord is noticing! Who greater to witness every moment of our day? Every changed nappy, every hour of sleep lost, every moment rocking a crying baby, every item washed, every exhausted sigh. Our loving father knows. He sees. And he fills our cup and gives us all we need. There is nothing any human could give us, that Our Lord does not fulfil completely.
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
“The God who created, names, and numbers the stars in the heavens also numbers the hairs of my head…
He pays attention to very big things and to very small ones.
What matters to me matters to Him, and that CHANGES MY LIFE”
Elisabeth Elliott
He sees, He cares, He takes notice and He equips you and strengthens you. When you go about the little things, Your Father is with you, and He is smiling on you for carrying out THE most important job of all. Raising the future generation. To know and love Him and change the world.
And most of all, dear mother, He gives you REST!
28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Matthew 11:29 (MSG)
REAL rest. That’s what The Lord gives us. Get away with Him.Overcome Overwhelm – The first Step Even in the busyness. Let your mind turn to Him. Know His presence, His love, His Grace and His rest. And because He sees…we can release others from our expectations. We no longer need to be affirmed by others when we have God’s Holy affirmation. Rest in Him. Be at peace. He is sufficient for ALL your needs.
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)
You prepare a table before me
Psalm 23
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
To hear my podcast on this topic go to:https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/vqMzE3GBULb
