Monday, October 11, 2010

He chose you

The further along I get into the mothering of young children, the more I hear similar stories and struggles from other preschool moms. There is something about raising children in the early years of life that seems to create in a young mom a sense of insecurity. Something takes place in these mothering years that causes us mommas to question who we are and what we are doing on this planet. There seem to be two struggles that surface time and time again for me. The first is, I am not good enough to do that which I have been called to do. The second is, is this all that I have been called to do? Perhaps it is all wrapped up around our culture. We walk out our privileged lives in a country that speaks little of the importance of our job as moms. Oh there are some that hold a politically correct microphone in their hand and speak of the value of mothering a child; but I dare say there are but a few secular communities that wave a banner of support to the stay at home mom.

But there are moments along the way when God reveals a bit of His plan, and it comforts a weary heart like mine. Caroline prays every night for "poor people". I can't remember when or why this ritual began, but it has become part of her prayers every evening. Last night her prayers for the poor grew in specifics. She asked God to "give all the poor people cell phones so they could call their mommies". If I was smiling, then I am certain beyond certainty that God was roaring with laughter and joy. I will not at all be surprised if one day I hear of a cell phone provider that felt randomly prompted to give away free cell phones and service to the homeless; for God loves to honor the humble requests of His children. Aside from the focus on providing cell phones to the poor, did you notice who Caroline wanted them to be able to call? Their mommies. Do you see the significance? Do you see how one statement can reveal the heart of a five year old little girl? Who does she view as necessary and important? Who would she want to be able to call in her time of need? Do you see the banner of importance that your heavenly Father is waving above your head?

Have you struggled with the feeling of importance in your daily attempt to keep your head above a pile of dirty diapers? Do you ever wonder if there is any significance to spending a quarter of your waking hours in carpool? Do you ever wish you could spend at least one trip to the bathroom alone, not having to also entertain a 1 year old that is sitting at your feet (or in your lap)? Do you ever think to yourself "if I have to have one more imaginary tea party I might be forced to start spiking the pretend tea"? I get that. I understand that struggle. I also understand the guilt that accompanies the struggle. How dare I feel anything but grateful joy at the privilege I have to raise these precious kids! It is the kind of guilt that suffocates a mother and then breeds more guilt.

Friend, hear me for a minute. When God was writing out His story for all of time, He looked among the masses, pointed His finger directly in your direction, and said "I chose you" to raise that child. He chose you to care for and teach and raise your child. He didn't choose your next door neighbor who is all perfect, with her perfect hair and her perfect orderly schedule and her perfect Christian background and her perfect life and her perfectly behaved children (she's fictitious by the way)...He chose you. Not by accident, not by chance, but intentionally so. You were chosen for that child. He didn't do so to prove to you that you are not enough; He did so to prove to you that He is enough. He chose you for a mighty role so that you would know that you have intentional purpose in His kingdom. Your role was not an afterthought. He didn't pass out all the important career cards and then say, "give the rest of them mommy cards, that's all they're good for".

I have so many times felt unimportant and unworthy as a mother. And if that is where you are too, then consider this perspective. God has given you a child to raise and care for. A child that He values enough to send His Son to die for. Flawed, inadequate you, has been called to a role of amazing importance. To care for someone that your heavenly Father thought of while He hung on a cross. He has given you someone that He values enough to die for! And it wasn't just that child He died for, but also the momma holding that baby. His desire is to accomplish in you the work that He has called you to. He comes full circle in this mothering walk, graciously meeting all of our needs. He doesn't choose the capable to accomplish His work, He chooses the broken. He chose you just like He chose the orphan Esther to save His people, just like He chose the fugitive Moses to lead His people, just like He chose 12 vagabond disciples to spread His message. He chooses the weak, and then makes them strong.

Know with great certainty that you have been called to the highest of privileges. No one but you can be a mother to your children, and God knew who you were when He chose you.


Amy

20 comments:

Meet the Brummett's said...

Great post and I totally agree that stay at home Mom's don't get the credit they deserve a lot of the time. There is nothing worse than someone saying "So what do you do all day?" Ha, if only they were a fly on the wall for just an hour at our house! I find comfort in a husband that takes the time to let me know that he appreciates the "hardest job on the planet" that us stay at home mom's have. I also savor the peace and comfort that God has given me in knowing that this is truly what I was put on this earth to do. There are numerous times through out the day that I have to remind myself that I'm not perfect and that if something doesn't go as planned then it is not the end of the world. I think that it is a far better lesson to let your kids see your faults and missteps at times than to let them think that everything is easy and perfect. Thanks again for this lovely post and that picture of you and your kiddos is absolutely adorable. Clearly you are doing something right because it is obvious from the picture that your children are exactly where they want to be, with their awesome Mommy! Have a great day :)

valthecraftygal said...

Wow! So encouraging -great reminder for all those who are loving "the least of these", so to speak. I think this should be submitted to Crosswalk.com for a devotional for mommys!

june said...

Way to go!!! Well said. My children are in college and high school and I still needed this reminder. Thanks for the encouragement!

Lynnc said...

Such a powerful, accurate, uplifting, encouraging post! You have such a way with words and sharing God's grace in an accessible way. I always feel at peace and closer to Him after reading your posts.

Side note: Your outfit (and your girls') are ADORABLE! The boots! The belt! The necklace! The hair! Just lovely, so trendy and stylish... what a beautiful family. Blessings... :)

Gretchen said...

"He didn't do so to prove to you that you are not enough; He did so to prove to you that He is enough." Exactly what so many women need to hear (including me). Thank you for writing this today. Even as my children get older I need a good reminder of this.

Although I am living my dream as a SAHM, sometimes it is good to be reminded of Who called me and why I am doing this.
TRULY one of my favorite posts. Thank you!!!!

Between You and Me said...

I've had a hard day with my babies..all three of them.

needed this today. {deeeep sigh}

thanks, friend.

Woodard Gang said...

Thanks Amy...what a gift of encouragement you have. This couldn't of come at a better time!

Radiomom said...

Uplifting and refreshing. Thank you for your thoughts here....I appreciate them greatly!!

Jill said...

Another fabulous post that totally leaves me with that warm, fuzzy feeling. Love this! I also love that killer necklace you're wearing!

Laura@OutnumberedMom said...

Oh, Amy -- so true, so true. I've had all those feelings and more. I'd echo one thing in particular: that perfect mom next door -- she really is fictitious!

The Tuscan Home said...

Thank you for writing this post, how special and beautiful! =) XOXO ~Liz

P.S. ...that is a GORGEOUS photo above, love it! =)

The Starr Family said...

It IS a ministry isn't it? We are in the missions fields everyday... every minute. Serving our little people.

Thank you sweet Amy, for voicing God's beautiful truth.

Jemsmom said...

Amy, you have no idea how this post has touched me today. I am sitting here with tears in my eyes for so many reasons. I have been blessed to stay home with Jemma for the last year and I am so so so grateful. With that said, it is the HARDEST thing I have ever done! It was so easy to be the Great Parent when I only had her a few hours every night and on the weekends! I have all those feelings you spoke of and one day, I swear I might spike the tea!

I have to tell you that when you spoke of God choosing me to be her mom I got tickled. Jemma talks frequently of how she lived in heaven with God and Jesus and she was just waiting to find us. She told me that she thought about asking God for our friends in Germany to be her parents, but she KNEW that she wanted to come to us because she had been watching us and she talked to God about it. She even rode in the front seat of God's car in Jesus' lap to go to the movies! Oh my precious girl!!!

This post has also touched me in a way that you will never know. I recently found out that I probably will be unable to have any more children. I have been through a lot of testing and I have elevated levels of FSH and prolactin. Basically I don't ovulate and my eggs are old and more than likely abnormal. They think this is the reason I have had several miscarriages. Getting pregnant on our own is a less than 1% chance and even with artificial insemination or IVF my chances are slim. So your words touched my heart when you spoke of God choosing me to be Jemma's mom. I have prayed so much about this and am trying to find peace with this, but sometimes I get so angry. I always wanted more children and am sad that this probably won't happen, but no matter what, God chose me. Me. I am Jemma's mom and I am so thankful every day.

Thank you so much for this post. It has helped me realize how important my job is whether it is one child or many. I am blessed because God chose me (with a little help from Jemma!).

monkeysmom said...

Wow. I think I needed to hear that today! I am the SAHM to 3 children. A 6 year old daughter, and 3 and 1 year old sons. My 3 year old was diagnosed with autism earlier this year and I have often struggled because I don't feel 'equipped' to be the mother that he needs. Thank you for reminding me that HE will give me everything I need to do this job.

danna said...

I needed this more than you know. As I held my three year old in my arms tonight... I thought- I'm just not cut out for this.
At the end of some days I feel so defeated.
So...Thank you for this reminder.

Anonymous said...

this is very inspiring... thanks Amy, for reminding us to be thankful at any condition. God bless you & family.
xo, christine

Sarah said...

This is so beautifully written! And how true that we underplay the significance of our calling in motherhood! Thank you, Amy, for being a cheerleader for us all!
Hugs,
Sarah

Anonymous said...

Oh how I needed to hear this today:)

june said...

I read this again today,, and I loved the part about the fictitious neighbor,, I think one of the deceivers best weapons is to trick us women into thinking that someone else always has it better,, and that we are cheated. That we need to measure up to others standards and accomplish normal. Normal has been blown out of control. Like you said before we need to get back to the cross and get back to basics,,normal is different for us all.

3 Brothers said...

Again, I come away blubbering like a baby from reading your blog. You have such a way of seeing into my soul, and knowing just what I need to hear. And I know I am not alone in that. Your blog is a true blessing to me. I feel a closer connection with my Creator and Savior whenever I visit here. So glad I stumbled upon it, and so thankful that you are doing what you do. And let me say, I don't understand how you do what you do...that "perfect neighbor" could easily be you!

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