Last Updated on March 12, 2024
Motherhood has been called a thankless job. Diapers, meals, laundry, runny noses, homework — it’s true that there’s no end to the daily tasks and responsibilities of good old mom.
And it’s true that sometimes it takes a lifetime — or at least a few decades — to see and to know that we’ve done our jobs well. Our four-year-olds, and sometimes our 14-year-olds, aren’t always capable or willing to thank us for the time and effort we’ve spent. We can wonder if we’re doing the right thing in a certain situation or if they’ll even remember the Dora Birthday Cake or the 52 Scout badges sewn on at a moment’s notice.
Yet, mothering is one of the most important professions there is. No other career offers such long-lasting influence and relationship with others.
Every once in awhile, I get a glimpse of good fruit to show me that we’re on the right track as a family.
- What can I do to help you, Mama?
- I’m excited to go back to Sunday School next week, even though I was disappointed with the game this week. I’m not going to let it bother me next week.
- I’m sorry I was unkind to you, Mama. That was wrong of me.
The Lord works in mysterious ways. He doesn’t always show us everything. But that’s okay. He shows us enough to point us in the right direction and to remind us of His presence and work in our lives.
When I catch these little glimpses, I think of Mary, Jesus’ mother. When she saw her son doing amazing things, it says that she “treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).
While I can make no claims to birthing the Savior of the world, I see parallels between Mary’s life as a mom and our daily walks.
- She didn’t completely see or understand what God was doing in and through her son.
- She did see that great things were happening.
- She made a point to remember them and hold onto them.
And so it should be with us. I may not understand all that God is doing in my little family, but I can keep my eyes open and alert to catch those great things that He’s doing. I can hold tight to them and remember them during those moments of discouragement.
Is anything going right? I may lament on the day when everything seems to go wrong.
Yes, yes, it is. God is working here. He let me see that a few weeks ago. I need to remember that.
I need to treasure that in my heart.
Jessica Fisher is a mom of six young children, aged toddler to teen. She writes to encourage moms on “the road to joyful motherhood” at www.Lifeasmom.com and also shares delicious ways to act your wage at www.goodcheapeats.com
Oh how true! I love the relationship drawn between Mary and Jesus. Thanks so much for pointing that out!
This weekend I cried a sweet bath of tears while hiding in the garage. I was thinking "I wish someone would say 'thanks mom for all you do!'". And then as I prayed for help, I was flooded with the God breathed realization that I needed to get over myself and get back in the house where I was needed, thank you or no thank you. 🙂 I was greeted with a bottom to wipe, a milk spill to clean up, and an argument to redirect. But it was so clearly put on my heart to just hold my head up high, smile, and enjoy the children; the thank yous will come later. And sure enough, my smile and refreshed outlook made all the difference.
I completely agree with you. "He shows us enough to point us in the right direction and to remind us of His presence and work in our lives."
Welcome Jessica! How blessed we are to have you sharing your heart with our readers! Indeed God is always at work in our homes…a great reminder to all moms!