Picking up blueberries beneath the high chair, I could feel warm tears well up in my eyes as my face grew flushed with raw emotion. Does what I am doing really matter? Does anyone know how hard I work? This work is hard and monotonous, with no extolment attached. Why God? I asked my Jesus to help me in that moment. To help me with motherhood and life as I transitioned into my new role as a stay-at-home mom.
The worst part about it was that I was a stay-at-home mom, and I knew I should be grateful. And I was. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. But why was what I was doing in taking care of my brand new pink bundle of joy the hardest life change I had yet to encounter?
“I have told you these things so you may have peace in me. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
Motherhood and life can be so incredibly challenging, some seasons more than others. God never guaranteed that this would be easy, but he does guarantee he will always be with us. We can have hope even through invisible seasons of life, where our work and sacrifices go seemingly unnoticed.
I have three babies now, ages four, three, and one. The pace has definitely picked up around here, and I have grown into my role as a wife and stay-at-home mom, gracefully. I love what I do. Some days are still incredibly challenging, but I now see little buds of fruit beginning to form in my four-year-old’s heart, speckled throughout her life.
Since that day of picking up blueberries off the kitchen floor, I have cultivated a theory. I believe the Lord notices our diligence, love, and sacrifice as moms even moreso, because the work we do goes seemingly unnoticed, without a tangible reward. God notices moms’ hard work and bestows them with blessings that are eternal and foreseen.
I am not the most knowledgeable or experienced mother, but I do have a fresh, raw perspective of God’s grace and love shown to us through the dimly lit moments of motherhood. Looking back at those dark times of despondency and lackluster attitude in my motherhood journey, I realize how disconnected I was from the source of Truth and light in my life at the time.
Through the thick and thin slices of life, may we relish time spent in God’s Word, prayer, and praising and worshiping the Father. Through these godly disciplines, we can cultivate hearts of thanksgiving that glorify the Creator. Through consistent, daily motivation to seek Jesus first, we can live blessed lives in the light of his holy presence.
Jesus may not always alter our circumstances, but he will take a needle and thread to our hearts and pierce us with his Truth and light when we need it most. When you feel isolated and all alone in what you face, go to God. He has already overcome the world (John 16:33).
About the Author:
Alexandra Jensen is a Steering Team Leader for the Mothers of Preschoolers organization, commonly known as “MOPS.” She has two published books, The Meaning of Motherhood: Discovering Joy and Purpose through Christ in the Everyday Moments of Mom Life, and A Beautiful Season: Finding Your Identity in Christ After a Dating Relationship Ends. Alex and her husband attend Battlecreek Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Alex has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Math and Science Education. She is a former Elementary school teacher. Alex is a wife, stay-at-home mother of three, and antiques dealer.
Connect with Alexandra:
https://www.facebook.com/MeaningMotherhood
https://www.instagram.com/authoralexandrajensen/
https://www.alexandrajensen.org
