Purpose for the Sidelined Mom
Nobody wants to live a sidelined life, especially young mothers who are full of energy and dreams. We want to make a difference and live with purpose, but frankly, life with little kids feels like being left out of the game all together.
The rest of the world seems to be tackling life, moving ahead, and making progress, and we are very much stuck in the house. In fact, we haven’t made it out of the house in three days.
Do you ever wonder,
Lord, when am I actually going to do something of meaning for you? When will my life count? I’m home with these kids all day, every day. Everything I do is undone within 24 hours and nothing seems to last. I dreamed of serving others in your name. I long to share your mercy with others. I’m itching to encourage someone with your great love today.
I thought all these things when my kids were young. Especially on the bad days. You know the ones. On those days, I felt like I had missed my boat somewhere, somehow.
Those are exactly the times when my faith was tested. I wondered if God remembered me. Did He hear my prayer? Does He think that I am only qualified to wipe noses and break up toddler fights? (Which can be pretty scary, sometimes.) I wondered if He realized all the lovely things I wanted to do for Him….if I wasn’t stuck in this house.
And then, one day, in the midst of my pity-party, God pulled back my blinders and showed me that He HAD in fact, answered my prayers. What I called “stuck”, God called “serving Him.” I wanted to go somewhere exciting to serve, but the Lord set up my base of ministry in my home.
Perhaps you’re discouraged today. You thought that God would lead you to some exciting foreign mission, or to tend the sick in His name, or lead a Bible study, or to mentor women, or to have a ministry of encouraging hurting people, or feeding the poor. You thought you’d have this amazing calling.
From where you sit {looking over the mounds of laundry and your toy strewn living room} life is pretty mundane, and you’re discontent, wondering if this is all there is for you. You fear God’s passed you by somehow and that everyone else is doing the important work.
BUT, what if God has answered your prayer and you just don’t know it yet. Consider this:
What if God’s special mission for you is to be the one to encourage your own husband in your own home? Imagine how wonderful it would be to have him come home to a smile and a hug, a warm meal, and a “you’re important to me” look that lets him know you care?
What if God sent you to cook for those little faces right in front of you? To give them a cup of cold water, in Jesus name?
What if God put you there to nurse sick kids in kindness in the middle of the night? To dry their tears when they are having nightmares? Someone has to do it.
What if God sent you teach your own children the Bible? Your teaching will impact generations for Christ, including your own grandchildren. That’s a pretty big assignment. Did you talk to your kids about God today? Are you pouring your life into teaching them first? Perhaps you could start there.
What if God sent you to encourage anyone who entered your home with the wonderful message of mercy and forgiveness that you’ve received? Imagine the impact a heart full of gratitude and a mouth that spills forth praise and thanksgiving could make on a discouraged younger mom, mailman, or neighbor?
Perhaps the biggest ministry impact we can have is right here, in these four walls.
Now, I know you’re doing many of these things, because women get things done. But, we all know that we can serve willingly or grudgingly. Sometimes, we’re going through the motions but our joy is all gone.
Let me encourage you to do what you’re doing for Jesus sake, and the joy will return.
“Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
The location of your ministry doesn’t make it big, the Author of your ministry makes it big.
And if you are at home with little ones all day, praise God for such a ministry! Give them your best. Be the best example you can be. Show them how much Jesus loves them by being His hands and feet.
That perspective changes everything, doesn’t it? 🙂
This, I can do Lord, for You!
This is exactly what I needed to hear. I kinda felt like I was just sitting in your living room having a chat with you. Encouraging and rebuking! Especially the part of welcoming my husband home with a joyful face when most of the time I am sure my face looks exasperated…like now it is your turn to deal with these kids. Thank you!
I’m so glad, Emily. I wish you WERE in my living room. 🙂 Next year, Lord willing!
Love it. Lately, my husband and I have been asked several times if we’re missionaries (we’re not). I started replying, “Maybe when the children are grown.” I feel like maybe I’m putting God’s plan on hold for raising our little blessings…but your post just helped clarify that what I’m doing now is just as important. I am with our youngest 5 children almost 24/7 since we homeschool. Sometimes I feel like I should be doing more. Thank you for the kind reminder.
So glad it was encouraging.
Another excellent post, Sarah! We need to get to the place where we see every task as ministry … something we can do as to the Lord, to serve Him and others. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Thank you. Yes, every day is sacred when we are mindful of Christ.