I love coming across these funnies. Some of them are indeed quite comical and true to life. This is one of those that struck me as both funny AND true to life. Yes, it's in a lighthearted sarcastic kind of way, but nevertheless has a lot of truth to it.
And for the record, I am no fuddy-duddy. I thoroughly enjoy laughing and cutting up and having a lighthearted spirit. But as I was pondering what to write about today, this "funny" kept coming to mind. Admittedly, I tend to over think things and rationalize and analyze stuff to death (just ask my hubby...bless his heart), but it's one of those quirky things that keeps my mind active. So I decided to write about how a mom's work is never done and how sometimes we have the wrong perception. Hang on to your seats, ladies, this *could* get a little bumpy. Here we go...
For years I have begrudgingly looked forward to the weekends. Why, you ask? Are you crazy, woman?! Well, in a way I was. We currently have 5 children all ages 9 and younger, so the last 9 years of my life have been spent mommy-ing all the time.
Add to this all the piles of laundry that seemed to keep growing, the seemingly never ending stacks of dirty dishes, diapers needing changed, floors in desperate need of cleaning, and not to mention my husband who needed my undivided attention when he was home, and there was no wonder I couldn't look forward to weekends!! It was as though all my days of the week ran together. It didn't matter what day it was, I would have SOMETHING to clean or someone to take care of.
Needless to say, when the weekends would start creeping up and everyone else was saying "whoohoo! It's FRIDAY!!!" I would mumble to myself, "so what! It's not like I'm gonna get a weekend to rest or relax or heaven's me, go DO anything fun!"
I mean, dog-gone-it, I don't get a weekend like everyone else!
*footstomp*
Can you sense the immaturity and selfishness seething from these statements?
Or *GULP* can you totally relate?? Hmm...
This has been my perception for years...and one day through God's gentle tugging on my heart, I realized my perception was all wrong.
Studying Proverbs 31 would be beneficial to ALL moms. I have not found yet where it mentions in the whole chapter, of the woman taking "a day off" from her work. No, she works diligently with her hands. She rises while it's still dark and prepares food for her family and servants. And, my favorite verse: "She watches over her family and never wastes her time." (verse 27)
She never wastes her time. This can be hard to swallow, but it's what we should strive for. Now I'm not saying that taking a much needed break is wrong, so please don't think that way. Mom's do need breaks occasionally just to unwind and get their thoughts together. This doesn't mean, however, that she should spend hours on end on the computer, on her phone, out with the girls, etc. Doing those things in moderation periodically is just fine, and such a refreshment! But keeping in mind that our work is never done, we must get right back to it once we have taken a bit of time to renew our spirits. Even taking 10 minutes during the quiet time of day to pray and ask for God's guidance and wisdom can be all the refreshing one needs to make it the rest of the day!
Due to today's society in part, we have this mind set that we should get...or DESERVE...a long break, especially on the weekends! This goes for mom's who work either inside or outside the homes, those who homeschool and those who don't.
Firstly, we don't "deserve" anything. Instead we are blessed with what we receive and must train and surrender our minds to Christ so that we CAN appreciate the things He chooses to bless us with, be it small or large.
Secondly, once you become a mother , which I must express here that this is not to be taken lightly, your life most certainly changes. You will constantly be caring for someone who is unable to take care of themselves...for many many years. Your already current work load for keeping up a clean home will be increased with each addition God blesses you with. You will need to find a good schedule or pattern for upkeep so you don't become overwhelmed and can even periodically take time off on the weekends! It takes major dedication to be a mom and deal with all the work that ensues.
Sometimes, though, it is really tough to break out of a spoiled pattern and surrender our lives to raise a child (or children). We need to change our perception (and hearts) on the matter.
We have to admit that our schedules, at least for this season of life, will be drastically changed. Unrealistic expectations will drag us down and exhaust us if we don't vow to make a change. Instead, we should embrace wholeheartedly the task set before us. God has given us a tremendous responsibility in raising children...and HIS children at that! "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him." Psalm 127:3
So when your child cries out for you at 3am because of a bad dream, or your infant wakes you three times in the night to be nursed and changed, or if you spend the whole night awake with a sick child, remember this...this too shall pass...and all too quickly. Yes, your beloved sleep was interrupted, but losing sleep is a small sacrifice in the grand scheme of things. Christ sacrificed His life for you and me!
One of these days, our children will be grown and if we don't change our perception now, we will be left feeling empty, with a void. We will wonder "what happened to my precious little babies? Where did all the time go??" We will lose SO MUCH precious time with our children if we continue to sit and stew about how "I don't get a day off like so-and-so! That's not fair!!" all the while stomping our feet like a child. Our energy will be spent in a state of bitterness and resentment unless we ask God to change our hearts and open our eyes to what is right before us...our beautiful children!!
Then, one day when our children are grown, instead of feeling empty and full of regrets, we will be joyful and have a heart and mind full of memories. All of our work will pay off and we can spend our remaining days reminiscing and enjoying grandchildren!
"You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things." Psalm 128:2
If you have been struggling with this very issue, take this moment right now to pause and pray. Ask God to change your heart and to give you a renewed love and desire for your task as a mom. He will, if you simply ask. Commit to Him and yourself that you will change your perception and start relishing in the joy of motherhood and all it entails. (The good and the bad)
Stay in God's Word for encouragement and strength, especially on the really tough days. We can't do this in our own strengths anyway. We NEED God! Find a prayer partner such as a family member, close friend or a church member and ask them to pray with you and for you as you continue on in your work as a mom.
Because remember...a mom's work is never done! :-)
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