In honor of Mother’s Day, I wanted to republish this article about finding contentment and knowing that every little thing that mom’s do make a difference. So, if you are feeling weary or heavy hearted this might be something good to read today! This was originally published last summer.
I have been a stay at home mom for nearly 4 years now. My oldest is turning 3 but I was home for that entire pregnancy. Over the course of those years, I’ve struggled, debated and wondered more days than I’d like to admit if I should go back to work. Why? Because this stay at home mom thing is hard and lunch breaks are never guaranteed! And also, because I really didn’t think I was very good at it. And then I admit, a small part of me thought, “this is why I have 2 degrees”?
But God has been working on my heart and showing me I’m right where I’m supposed to be. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that being a stay at home mom is for everyone or that everyone should do it. I am NOT saying that. I’m just saying that for ME, I have found my place for this season of my life. I have found contentment.
Have you heard the new Steven Curtis Chapman song? If not, you really should go listen. You can hear the full version of “Do Everything” here. I promise you’ll be encouraged and find new joy in being the keeper of the cheerios. What I do matters.
And I found this blog post really encouraging as I was reminded to be still and realize God does important work from sick beds and stay at home moms.
I think I had forgotten how important what I do is until I saw it not being done.I went to Target this week and noticed a dad (I guess) and daughter getting out of their car and walking across the parking lot. The little girl maybe about 5 was trailing behind the man with her teddy bear as the man busily texted on his phone ahead of her. He didn’t hold her hand. He didn’t make sure there were no cars coming. He didn’t watch her at all. He didn’t even talk to her. I drove cautiously in my SUV in fear that she would run from him all the while wanting to shout to him, “Hold her Hand!”
It matters. A good morning hug, reading books, singing together, baking cookies…….It all matters. Our children are watching and learning. Baking cookies is so much more than a sweet treat. Kids learn task completion, measurements and how to follow instructions just by baking together.
I’m not sure where you are at in your journey. Maybe you have just become a stay at home mom or have been for years. Wherever you are, I encourage you to know that you do make a difference. What you do matters.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve been an SAHM for 20 years. I am so glad that I have stayed home with the kids. It was really hard at first and I felt like a failure. My family was big on education, so I turned to the “experts,” the people who wrote books and had television programs years ago on how to be a good parent. That only made things worse, because much of what they told us only made kids more self-centered. Eventually I found better authors and learned to trust myself and the voice of God within. I supervised my kids constantly when they were little and was careful about what I allowed them to watch. I took them to museums and play groups. I tried to lead by example. I am so glad I was able to be there for them when they had questions, instead of someone who didn’t love them or share my views. My youngest is 11 now. All four of my children are exceptional and I think will make this world a better place. That doesn’t mean they’re not lazy or don’t get upset when they don’t understand why I won’t let them do something, especially the younger ones. But I really feel blessed to have cooperated in building what look to be at least the beginnings of great cathedrals.
Lisa,
Thanks for sharing! I agree. Nurturing our children is priceless!