OPELIKA, Ala. (BP)–If I had to answer one more insignificant question, wipe one more runny nose or bandage one more boo-boo today, I was going to pull my hair out … and maybe the hair of whoever is standing close by.
“I’ve had it, kids! I’m going to soak in a hot bubble bath and I would strongly advise against any interruptions. Unless someone is dead or dying, do not knock on this door!”
As I eased down into my vanilla-scented bubbles, I prayed, “God, is this really what I’m supposed to be doing? I mean, don’t You have something really important for me that requires a little more skill that tying shoes and cutting the crust off sandwiches?”
Let me back up and tell you about how I reached this point in my life. I wasn’t always bordering on the brink of insanity. It wasn’t too awfully long ago that I had it all together. I successfully managed a booming and well-respected business, counseled others in organizational skills and drove a pretty cool automobile that would NOT seat an entire soccer team, and me, comfortably. I enjoyed television shows that were not hosted by singing vegetables or a purple dinosaur. I never found the milk in the pantry and I never experienced the sheer panic of trying to remember whom I was calling before the voice at the other end said, “Hello?” The other day, I placed an order by phone. When the sales lady asked me for my address, I had to put her on hold. I absolutely could not recall my own address. It did finally come to me as I was reaching for the phone book to look it up.
What happened? The stick turned blue. I boxed up my contemporary Christian music and now you’ll find me rockin’ to “Silly Songs with Larry.” Yep, it’s good-bye “20/20” and hello Elmo.
Sometimes I think that just getting dressed and making it through the day is all I ever accomplish. “Isn’t there something more that You wanted me to do today, Lord?” Finally, I hear that still, small voice. I may not have found a cure for cancer or conquered world hunger, but as I soaked in my tub, God gently reminded me of what I did accomplish that day. I had the privilege of listening to the hopes and dreams of a handsome young man who thinks I’m the greatest woman in the world. He stands just over three feet tall and only gets really excited over Legos and pizza, but he is funny, charming and never boring.
I also got to see a bright and precious smile illuminate the sweet face of my 5-year-old daughter as I took time out to invade Barbie’s house with green aliens. As she squealed with delight, my heart melted.
I did have a few minutes of well-appreciated privacy, even if it was in the bathroom, without someone banging on the door. I actually jotted this rare event down in my journal under “miracles.” I got to read a couple of great classics. Out loud. Move over Dickens, we have moved on to the works of Dr. Seuss. I was also able to dust, organize, clean, counsel and cook. I kissed away the boo-boos and washed away the tears. I praised, rebuked, encouraged, hugged and tested my patience, all before noon.
Yes, my greatest accomplishment that day was nurturing the two precious children God has entrusted to my care.
Now let’s talk about my greatest challenge that day and every day. It is raising these two precious children in the ways of the Lord. God does have an important job for me and it does require much skill. It is my calling, my priority, my struggle and my goal. I will rise to the occasion and accept the task at hand. I will love, nurture and train my children the way that God has called me to do.
Moms, we need to be reminded of the awesome responsibility that God has given us. When we respond to the high calling of motherhood with passion, the rewards are far greater than any we could ever gain outside of that calling. The joys of motherhood are rare and beautiful treasures that can be easily missed if we don’t seize the opportunity to grab them.
Being a mom is more than being cook, chauffeur, maid, counselor, doctor, referee and disciplinarian (just to name a few). It’s molding character, building confidence, nurturing, training and guiding. There is no calling as consuming, challenging and rewarding. And there is no calling as worthy of our efforts as the high calling of motherhood.
–30–
This article is adapted from Ginger Plowman’s book, “Don’t Make Me Count to Three!” published with Shepherd Press. Plowman, of Opelika, Ala., is an assistant director for Proverbs 31 Ministries, for which she speaks at women’s events and parenting conferences across the country. For more information visit her website at www.gingerplowman.com.
