The Ministry of Motherhood

Mother's Day is a sobering day. At least for me it is. It's a time when my children and husband shower me with praises and affirmations despite knowing my deepest weaknesses and biggest flaws. The imperfections of my mothering have, at times, wounded those I love most. With swallowed pride, I have had to repent and ask forgiveness countless times. And yet, their love for me still runs deep.

It is a day when I do feel loved, but also a day to feel humbled in so many ways. Why me? What did I do to deserve their kindness and affection? Why did the Lord bless me with the beautiful family that I have? How is God able to use me when I get it so wrong so often?

Ironically, as a young girl, I had dreams of ministering in far off lands. I would think about how useful I could be for Kingdom efforts using my gifts and abilities to bless others and point them to Christ. It wasn't until I was "stuck" at home one day pondering my new season of life as a stay at home mom that I had an epiphany. THIS was my meaningful work. This beautiful baby girl would be my children's ministry and later my women's ministry... the person (and future siblings) that I would pour into. I could easily pray for, evangelize, and disciple without the challenges of language or cultural barriers.

Make no mistake: This work is sanctifying. On this journey, I have become more flexible. More patient. I am now able to see the beauty of different personalities and how they approach a situation in a completely unique way. And like having a mirror walking around your house, I'm able to see my flaws and neediness in new and humbling ways.

The ministry of motherhood, homemaking, and hospitality is no small task or calling. But the daily faithfulness of this work yields fruit untold. As with any vocation or ministry, we continue to learn and grow. We won't always get it right. But we develop skills at this job just like any other, and with that God blesses our efforts at mothering and parenting.

How about you? In what ways have you grown or developed as person through your mothering?