Monday, September 12, 2011

Exalting the Calling of Motherhood

My vision as a mother and homekeeper has, admittedly, at times felt very small and insignificant. There have been times when I have felt frustrated because I wanted to be more involved in various services to Christ, but I hadn't been able to commit the time or effort because they would pull me away from my duties as a wife and mother. And that has been hard for me at times. At times, I have, ashamedly, thought of my role as a mother as something that has held me back from serving in other various ways.
But the truth that I have always known, but had only suppressed, is that my greatest service to God right now is my family. I am raising and influencing the next generation. I am teaching them not only academically but, more importantly, spiritually. And none of this happened by chance. I don't believe in chance at all. I believe that I am fulfilling my specific calling from God to be a Godly wife and mother. This is my service to God.

There will be lots of time for all the other things I think that I would like to do, if God permits that. Right here and right now, my calling is to serve God by serving my family. So it is a great service and a great calling. And this is something that I need to continually remind myself of so that I can continue on with excitement and inspiration. God has entrusted these children to me and has equipped me to raise them up in His ways and truths. And I must prove faithful to that which has been given to me.

We attended a marvelous celebration/memorial service last night for my sister's boyfriend Matt's mother who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 52. The large church sanctuary was packed to the point that people had to crowd in and line up against the walls. We worshiped God together knowing that Sheree was worshiping God in the ultimate way ~ at His feet in Heaven.

And I was so touched
by the beauty of Sheree. I had never even met her before. We went because of Matt, but I'm so thankful that I went because God spoke to me there. So much was revealed of Sheree about how she made her home a place of peace, a refuge for her family. She was so head over heels in love with her husband, even after all the years had passed. She committed her life to her children and what was best for them, even though that meant personal sacrifices on her part. And one of the greatest things impressed on me was that she was truly content with her life. She had godliness with contentment, and God's Word says that there is great gain in that.

So I'm going to commit to seeing my role as a wife and mother as a privilege. And I want to keep my eyes fixed on Christ and rely on Him for my strength and guidance as I serve Him by serving my family. And I want to do it purposely and joyfully and contentedly. And with a grateful and thankful heart.

And if you would like to read more about our holy privilege as women called by God to serve our families, I encourage you to read this post at Ladies Against Feminism.
 

Have a blessed day!

1 comment:

Tolentreasures said...

Great post! Motherhood is such a high calling and your children are truly a gift!

Cathy