There seems there is an awfully lot of pressure on Christian women to serve, serve, serve. Teach Sunday school classes, have Bible studies, host this, do that. Do, do, serve, serve, witness, witness. For after all the work of church and Christ is the most important thing you can do.
Recently God took an instance that really opened my eyes to how I can really serve Him. It was late one evening, my husband and I had the evening devotions with the children and tucked them into bed. Like usual we stay up a little later to catch up on each others day, unwind, and relax before heading to bed as well.
It wasn't long before we heard the footsteps of one of the children come down the stairs, "I just wanted to say how much I love you" came the sweet proclamation as little arms were thrown around our necks. She then turned and went back to bed. A little later we could hear footsteps again. This time when I went to investigate she was washing the mirror in the bathroom. "Look how nice and clean I'm making it." she announced cheerfully. I acknowledged it and then told her it really is time to go to bed. A few minutes later I could hear her again, this time dusting some furniture. I told her she is not to get out of bed again. "But I wanted to make you happy." was her reply.
I told her that while those things were good things to do. I wanted for her to stay in bed and go to sleep. It would make me much happier if she would be obedient.
A light bulb seemed to go off in my head and a little voice seemed to whisper. I have been trying to tell you the same thing. "Your calling, what I want you to do is be a keeper at home. Take care of your husband and children. You know that all these other good things are making that you are not doing the best job that you could of being a wife and mother a keeper at home.
"Yes, Lord." Came my answer and I thanked Him for once again using one of my children to teach me a valuable lesson.
For this season of my life I will remain contentedly at home. I don't have to go to every good cause or to every church event. If it is causing me to neglect my keeper at home status I am really no longer obedient to what God wants me to be doing and no amount of other good things will make up for that.
Such a good post! I whole-heartedly agree. There is a powerful witness that speaks louder than any words when daughters of God are in their God-given calling - the home.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your words of wisdom.
I love this ~ thanks for sharing, Ramona. Long ago when almost all women stayed home, so many wanted to get out and be independent, and now so many women are independent and long to be home with their families and little ones. I'm glad you're following your calling - I did, too, and I look back on those sometimes lean days as some of the best ones of my life.
ReplyDeleteSuch interesting thoughts, and I've noticed the same thing. Especially when it comes to women taking on more and more roles at church while raising families and sometimes working out, too. It makes me wonder, do women have to do everything? There is so much to do in just taking care of our families, especially when they are young. I love hearing how God affirmed your role at this season of life.
ReplyDeleteWe often take on to much thinking we must to please God. People think serving means doing 100 things in His name but it doesn't! Serving is loving the Lord with all our hearts, not working ourselves into the ground and overdoing it. He will let us know what else He wishes for us to do and caring for family IS awesome and pleases Him.
ReplyDeleteI have been a homemaker all my married life, I feel blessed to have been able to stay home with my children who are now grown and have families of their own. I am so glad you shared this because I see so many young women trying to do it all and I think it is so awesome that God has shown you through your child what he wants from you (and all wives/moms). Thanks for sharing, I feel certain it will help many who read it.
ReplyDeleteWise words - and a wise mom to make the connection. I am so grateful that I have a husband that supports my stay-at-home status. Every now and then I start to feel guilty that I'm not bringing money into the household. But then I remind myself that what I do is irreplaceable, and the money saving things I do supply the family tax free!
ReplyDeleteTouching, thoughts, and wise words. I agree with you. Being a Mother is the most important job in the world!
ReplyDeleteOur ministries vary, and all are important witnesses for our Lord. Such beautiful lessons from a child. Please pass along our appreciate to your guest writer.
ReplyDeleteElaine wrote 'I'm certain it will help many who read it'. She's right. This post touched me, it went all the way to the other side of the ocean. There aren't many homemakers here. I actually know only one parent. I have been unemployed now for one year. I went to a lot of job interviews but without result. I think it's a sign. Time to make decisions, to find out what is really important.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post!
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