June 9, 2004
Encouragement for Today
"The High Calling of Motherhood"
Ginger Plowman
Author, Speaker, Assistant Director with Proverbs 31 Ministries
Key Verse:
" And let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
Devotion:
If I have to answer one more insignificant question, wipe one more runny nose, or bandage one more boo-boo today, I'm going to pull my hair out...and maybe the hair of whoever is standing close by as well!
"I've had it, kids! I'm going to soak in a hot bubble bath and I would strongly advise against any interruptions. Unless someone is dead or dying, do not knock on this door!"
As I ease down into my vanilla-scented bubbles, I pray, "God, is this really what I'm supposed to be doing? I mean, don't you have something really important for me that requires a little more skill that tying shoes and cutting the crust off sandwiches?"
Let me back up and tell you about myself before reaching this point in my life. I wasn't always bordering on the brink of insanity. It wasn't too awfully long ago that I really had it all together. I successfully managed a booming and well-respected business, counseled others in organizational skills, and drove a pretty cool automobile that would NOT seat an entire soccer team, and me, comfortably. I enjoyed television shows that were not hosted by singing vegetables or a purple dinosaur. I never found the milk in the pantry and I never experienced the sheer panic of trying to remember whom I was calling before the voice at the other end said, "Hello?"
What happened? The stick turned blue. I have traded in Victoria's Secret for the stretchy comfort of Hanes Her Way. I have boxed up my contemporary Christian music and now you'll find me rockin' to "Silly Songs with Larry." Yep, it's good-bye 20/20 and hello Elmo.
Sometimes I think that just getting dressed and making it through the day is all I ever accomplish. "Isn't there something more that you wanted me to do today, Lord?" Finally, I hear that still, small voice. I may not have found a cure for cancer or conquered world hunger, but as I soak in my tub, God gently reminds me of what I did accomplish today. I had the privilege of listening to the hopes and dreams of a handsome young man who thinks I'm the greatest woman in the world. He stands just over three feet tall and only gets really excited over Legos and pizza, but he is funny, charming, and never boring.
I also got to see a bright and precious smile illuminate the sweet face of my five-year-old daughter as I took time out to invade Barbie's house with green aliens. As she squealed with delight, my heart melted.
I did have a few minutes of well-appreciated privacy without someone banging on the bathroom door. I actually jotted this rare event down in my journal under "miracles." I got to read a couple of great classics. Out loud. Move over Dickens, we have moved on to the works of Dr. Seuss. I was also able to dust, organize, clean, counsel, and cook. I kissed away the boo-boos and washed away the tears. I praised, rebuked, encouraged, hugged, and tested my patience, all before noon.
Yes, my greatest accomplishment today was nurturing the two precious children that God has entrusted to my care.
Moms, we need to be reminded of the awesome responsibility that God has given us. When we respond to the high calling of motherhood with passion, the rewards are far greater than any we could ever gain outside of that calling.
Being a mom is more than being cook, chauffeur, maid, counselor, doctor, referee, and disciplinarian, etc. (just to name a few). It's molding character, building confidence, nurturing, training, and guiding. There is no calling as consuming, challenging, and rewarding. And there is no calling as worthy of our efforts than the high calling of motherhood.
This devotion is taken from Ginger's book, Don't Make Me Count to Three! published with Shepherd Press.
My prayer for today:
Lord, remind me daily of the wonderful privilege it is to be a mother. Thank you for entrusting these children to my care. Help me to delight in my calling, enjoy my children, and glorify you as I raise them with great joy.
Application steps:
Take a few minutes to write down your blessings as a mother. Consider the little things your children do that make you smile, memories of fun times together, and the privilege it is to be their caregiver. Thank God for each blessing on your list.
Reflection points:
Does my attitude reflect joy in being a mom? How?
What are some of the rewards of caring for my children?
What activity can I do with my children today just for fun?
Power verses:
Psalm 127:4-5, Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. (NIV)
Proverbs 22:6, Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Proverbs 31:28, Her children arise and call her blessed. (NIV)
Additional resources:
Reaching the Heart of Your Child (Tape Series) by Ginger Plowman
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/reachingchildtapesset.html
Don't Make Me Count to Three! by Ginger Plowman
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/count.html
Being a Great Mom, Raising Great Kids by Sharon Jaynes
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/greatmom.html
Originally published Wednesday, 09 June 2004.
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