discovering joy in the journey

Joy to the Heart

That’s me!

I truly believe that children are a blessing!

Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.
Psalm 127:3

However, parenting, and more specifically, mothering can be quite challenging living out the practical day to day.  Another load of laundry, preparing meals, the never ending dishes, the wet and dirty diapers, the constant tidying up after others… With these monotonous, daily tasks, even as a Christian, I can become discouraged and drawn into self pity.  I get distracted – away from the blessings that I have been given.

Yes, I have been there, done that, and (sadly) will probably revisit this area of motherhood.

So, how can I change things around once I’m there?

I have to turn the focus off of my self, because, contrary to popular belief, this life really is not about me.

Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things.  Preserve my life according to your Word.
(Psalm 119:35-37)

I must read God’s Word and look to Christ and His example.  For it is God’s words that will penetrate my heart and mind.

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
(Hebrews 12:1b-3)

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)

Christ was a servant.  He died for me.  I must be willing to serve Him and bring Him glory – even through what I sometimes view as the mundane.

I need to give thanks to my heavenly Father.

Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances.
For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

For a crying toddler?  Yes, for God made her healthy and strong.  For the 4 year old who refuses to eat?  Yes, because the opportunity to work with him and train him on this issue now will help with harder issues when he is older.  It also develops patience in me.  For the pile of laundry waiting to be put away? Yes, because God has provided clothing for our family…

Expressing gratitude through prayer and song helps me to refocus on Christ and has the added benefit of allowing my children to see and hear their mommy praising the Lord.

I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. (Psalm 7:17 )

I need to be reminded that motherhood is a high calling.

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.  Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. (Titus 2:3-5)

We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. (Psalm 78:4)

Teaching, loving, being self controlled, and busy at home……all in an effort to tend to the hearts of my children and prepare them, the next generation, to know, love, and serve Him.

It also helps to sometimes step back and take a close look at the precious little ones He’s given, spending some time observing their interactions and interests.  Then, I try to delve into their world, spending quality time with them.  How is God working in these young lives?  Then, I remind myself that God has chosen me to gently lead them.  Wow!

Doing these things may not always change how I am feeling right away, but it definitely helps to place my situation in perspective and gives me a glimpse of God’s greater plan.

It is only through His guidance and strength, that I may become the mother (mom, mama, mommy) that Christ desires for me to be.  For my help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Update: 2/3/10  A friend from church just posted a great testimony that relates well to this post.  Very worth the read!