A Mother’s Work

A mother’s work is never done. Perhaps that’s because a mother’s work is not a job. It’s a role, a calling, an identity.  It is who a mother is, no matter what she does or doesn’t do.

It’s a challenging role. One moment a mother might be filled with confidence and strength, and in another moment feel overwhelmed and uncertain about her ability.  I know, because I’m a mother.

Mothers are busy with many things related to the care taking of their children alone:  feeding, clothing, bathing, grooming, cleaning, teaching, disciplining, playing, reading, cuddling, soothing. Add all that to other domestic, family and life responsibilities…is it any wonder that a mother can feel overwhelmed?

Having the tendency to worry is one of my greatest weaknesses. Questions and misgivings sneak in wherever they can: Am I doing a good job? Am I doing the right thing? What if such-and-such happens? What should I do? How will I handle this or that?

Over the years I’ve been drawn to ponder over Christ’s words in Matthew 6:25-34,

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life^[a]?

²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

First take away, I am not to worry. God will provide. Yes, I do believe he expects us to work and do our part. But his blessing will be upon our efforts, and He will take care of us.

Second take away, there is much more to life than just the physical aspects: food, drink and clothes. While it’s easy to get caught up in the physical mechanics of taking care of our children or household, we must seek after God and give attention to nourishing our souls.

Finally, I’m left pondering. Although life is much more than the body, God provides food and drink even for the birds of the air, and He dresses the flowers of the field in beauty without any effort on their own. And God allows me, a mother, to join with Him in this work. My children don’t have to worry. They have food to eat…good foods they enjoy. They have clean clothes to wear. Yes, they have guidelines to live by. They need to clear their dishes and put their dirty clothes in the hamper. They need to do the things they are asked to do around the home, and cheerfully, but they never have to worry because we (their father and I) know what they need, we love them and want to take care of them.

So, take heart Mothers, you have been given a role by God, and along with God, to work through His good pleasure. Not only will He provide you and your family with the physical things you need as you follow His guidance, but He will supply you the strength, the courage and the wisdom for this never-ending job, and this magnificent calling, He has given you.