I will never forget, years ago, when a dear friend highlighted this verse from Psalm 113 to me. Moira Brown, co-host of the daily, Christian television program, "100 Huntley Street", entered both marriage and motherhood later in life. She shared that although experience was on her side, energy was not. Trying to juggle work and toddlers was challenging, and eventually the Lord called Moira to full-time homemaking.
A "Google" search of the word "homemaking" reveals it is "the creation and management of a home, especially as a pleasant place in which to live." That definition is quite biblical when seen in partnership with today's key text.
Moira admitted however, that the atmosphere in her home was far from pleasant or "happy". She used to describe the environment more as a "landing strip", where there was a lot of coming and going. Hectic, hurried activity marked each day. Even after becoming a stay-at-home mom to two preschoolers, there were always jobs to be accomplished and life was full. One day her darling daughter's plea awakened her to reality: "Mommy, do you want to come outside and watch us? You can bring your papers with you!"
The Psalmist writes that God can settle women in their homes as happy mothers of children. Moira is not alone in the struggles of motherhood. As thrilling and wonderful as it is to welcome new life into our families, it is tiring. Moira continues her story by sharing the following: "Pouring into two little people felt anything but natural and meaningful. Each weekday morning, Richard (husband), would enjoy every second with the two of them until the moment I dreaded, when he stood with his back against the front door, and announced, 'bye, bye'. Everything in me screamed 'NO!!!! DON'T LEAVE ME ALONE!'"
One day her husband phoned home with a question from his co-workers. "The women want to know how you are enjoying being at home with the children." Moira responded, "It's pretty much maintenance!", to which her husband replied, "It's not maintenance, it's development."
Motherhood. Such a happy, yet exhausting role. Moms can be overwhelmed by all that must be accomplished and miss the joy of delighting in their children, feeling instead the weight of tasks that must be completed. We set our hopes on "nap-time" only to discover our little ones have very individual schedules. We plan an outing to the park and it rains. The playmates we had hoped to visit have to cancel because of runny noses. Ahead of us are hours to fill, and it is only 5am!
Earlier in the Psalms David writes, "I will walk within my house with a perfect heart." The key to being a "happy mother" instead of a harried one is a heart issue. Guilt, shame, inadequacy and a multitude of other emotions will attempt to stress, but God's word encourages us in Isaiah 40:11, "He gently leads those that have young."
The Lord can impart a joy to our hearts as mothers. It is maybe better described as an inner restfulness or satisfaction of soul that roots its understanding in the truth that motherhood is a joy given by God. With conscious choice, the everyday-ness of motherhood can actually become exciting when the role is viewed as a tremendous gift. Reframing our minds to this incredible and noblest of callings brings the realization that the Lord has invited us to be part of "the creative majesty of life itself." (Linda Weber)
In moments of despair, doubt and discouragement, mothers can find delight, not just in the little people the Lord has entrusted to their care, but in a renewed, restored and revived purpose of shaping young lives for God's glory.
*Linda Weber quote; "Mom You're Incredible"; W Publishing Group; copyright 1994
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