Who Can You Encourage?
Older moms, do you remember how it was to have young children at home? Although it was a wonderful time, can you remember the exhaustion, frustration and feelings of being overwhelmed? At one time, I had three children under 5 years old. My life was a crazy mix of training hearts, changing diapers, settling squabbles, picking up toys again and again, and feeling like I could never quite get things done before they were undone right before my very eyes.
Younger moms, I know that training children and being just a “housewife” does not bring approval or admiration from the general population around you. You may even feel as though you are invisible– a non contributor.
Let me encourage you to keep on being the best mother you can be. Providing a loving home, a safe and nurturing environment is truly a gift to your children. They will thank you someday. And in case your mind is so foggy from endless nights of crying babies and cranky toddlers, let me remind you of your goal. You are raising the next generation for Christ, and in the meantime, you are making the gospel of Jesus Christ look attractive.
We serve a God who sees. You are not invisible and your labor of love for Him is not unnoticed. He will reward you for your service to Him! Training hearts to love the Lord their God is not something that is insignificant to Him! Imagine how it must thrill His heart to hear a mother teaching her children about His ways and His love.
Older moms, are you encouraging the younger moms in your congregation? Your words of encouragement minister grace to them beyond what you can imagine. Younger women are built up by validating words like “You are doing such a great job with your kids, ” or “This is the hardest job you’ll ever do!” Words are free, and can be life giving and healing or sharp, cutting and killing to the spirit.
Why not pray about encouraging someone this week. A simple email, Facebook inbox, phone call or card is all it takes. Consider going beyond words and spend time with a younger mom. Invite them over for coffee, meet them at the park, or offer to watch their kids so they can do errands in peace.
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the law of kindness is on her tongue.” Pr. 31:26
Thank you so very much for this post. I needed this encouragement today. I am at that place in life where I have a 10 and 9 year old helper. My youngest are all under 5. My twins are 4 and my youngest turns 2 in a few days. I just made the decision to continue homeschooling, even though my older kids were offered admission into a highly coveted charter school in our area. Our daughter was on the wait list for 2 years. It so easy to feel inadequate when you’re parenting 5, let alone, homeschooling them. There were a lot of days that ended in tears (for all of us!), but there were so many happy memories we’ve created as a family, as well. It’s that desire to teach my children to follow God and my desire to see us become the family God wants us to be that keep me going. Thank you for that encouragement and confirmation that I’m doing God’s work, even in the little everyday things.
Yes, what you are doing now is so important! Hard, but critical work!! Keep up the good work!
Sent from my iPod
From an older wife/mother, thank you for reminding me of my job in the body. I’m already thinking of moms that I can come beside.
Thank you. This was beautifully written and so true! I’m going through that now, with 3 children under 5 (plus two older, 5 and 9). It’s TOUGH. But we will reap, if we don’t lose heart. Don’t lose heart!!!