A Meditation on Motherhood

Last week was one of those weeks. I found myself feeling overwhelmed and underappreciated. I feared that no one around me valued the contribution I was making. I even started to question all I do and my worth. I was feeling discouraged. And it started to affect my actions as I approached the "why bother if no one cares" downward spiral.

Through my discouragement, I clung to the Lord. I was reminded of Colossians 3:23-24, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Convicting. Whether I am appreciated or not, forge ahead in excellence, doing what He called me to do. Be the best mother and wife I can be, in His strength. Another verse, Nehemiah 8:10, propped me up: "...for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

This year for Mother's Day, I asked not for cards or gifts, but for letters from my family. The letters I received from my kids were sweet and funny and encouraging. Especially from my nearly-10 and 12 year olds... I could see that they "get" it. They know I try make them a priority, that being their mom is important to me, that my many mundane tasks matter. I appreciated the letters and felt loved.

Last night, though, I was moved to tears when my husband came home from work and handed me a letter he wrote. How my heart melted and my spirit soared. I am happy to serve the Lord. But it is so, so nice when my man acknowledges me and my contribution to our family. God truly gifted my heart through these words from Gil:

You are the rock in the midst of the constant roll of life. It is because
of you our children have security in their place in the world. You are steadfast in your direction and love for each. Different in style -- you meet them where they are in life.

At times, it may seem they choose me over you. But I think it's because they are so secure: Mom is their rock, she is our constant.

So if you ever have days when you wonder what your life is worth, stop and think of Zachary, Abbie, Jacob, and me, for that matter. For without you we would all be rolling, rolling with no direction of home.

What a gift these words were to me. It was a holy moment... my heart cries to God reflected back to me through sweet, thoughtful, unexpected words from my husband.