Proverbs 31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
Last week I talked with an older woman who for around $100 a month cared for a rambunctious three-year old boy. She explained to me its very hard caring for him since she can’t get around as quickly, and he often runs away when her back is turned. Even worse, he sometimes runs into a nearby road, and she’s worried he would be hit by a car.
The interesting thing is this little boys mother lives nearby, but she chooses not to take care of him. Sadly it seems as if she isn’t interested in the responsibility of having a young child since it interferes with her independence
This illustration is a not so gentle reminder that in all the worlds jobs…few are more exhausting than being a mother
- You do the jobs that few other people want to do [change dirty diapers]
- Your work is constant [the floor becomes dirty again, people get hungry again]
- You rarely get thanks for the work
- The job is constant [the children are always near you]
- And you don’t experience many tangible results until children honor you in later years
God does give Grace and strength to mothers to accomplish their work, but its still a great responsibility.
Thankfully the great responsibility of being a mother is balanced with a great honor later in life
Let the child who will only grunt a thank you go live on their own
- Do their own laundry
- Cook their own meals
- Clean their own home
- Iron their own clothes
After returning from doing things on their own they will be incredibly appreciative!
There is a deeper motivation for a mothers exhausting work than appreciation of children later
It is motivated by love
Few things show the love and tender gentleness of a mother more than her faithfully doing the work that isn’t always appreciated. That testimony of selfless service patterned before children teaches them the importance of a work ethic, humility, and putting your desires aside for those you love.
The child whose mother embraces this “exhausting work” cannot doubt that they are loved.
it is proven by every meal
every load of landry
every mess that is cleaned
and every diaper that is changed
So do the exhausting work with excellence mothers, and raise up a generation of children and grandchildren who are confident in your love.
Johnhwilburn.org 