And Isn’t This Motherhood…
… to have your heart filled in the middle of the filthy laundry pile…
… to see the work of a lifetime in the dishes, school books, and tears of the everyday…
… to traverse the depths of our depravity with sticky hands on your apron…
… to fight for them, first with love and persistence, but in the end, when you fail at those (and I have), prayer and surrender.
Charles Spurgeon said this:
Those who think that a woman detained at home by her little family is doing nothing, think the reverse of what is true. Scarcely can the godly mother quit her home for a place of worship; but dream not that she is lost to the work of the church; far from it, she is doing the best possible service for her Lord. Mothers, the godly training of your offspring is your first and most pressing duty.
Oh for grace to do it more.
That is truly beautiful. As a young mother of the cultural revolution I had many dissenters to my choice of being a work-in-my-home mama. And when I informed people that I also intended to be a work-in-my-home gramma! Oh dear! It was at least understandable when there were small children to raise and care for, but now you have no excuse! My answer was and will always be, this is God’s calling on my life, to be the keeper of the home, start to finish.
I too was a stay at home, homeschooling mama. The world would judge us and make us out to be the odd balls. It was tough at times, being judged by family and not feeling like I was doing enough. Our boys are grown now and leading happy, blessed and productive lives. Be encouraged Shannon, and may God bless you with strength, courage and peace in this season of your life!
Beautifully stated!
Brilliant.
Amen and amen.
What a beautiful post! My children have long since grown, but that was my heart for them.
Hi Shannon, I am sooooo loving your blog! I have recently started sourdough baking and have made kefir milk for a few years now. My life is super distant from yours (deadlines, city life, etc.) plus I live on the other side of the world (italy). I am a mother of two (now grown) boys. Men is a better word 🙂 Just one question, I am curious: your children wear old-fashioned clothing. Isn’t that just more work for you? It jsut seems that jeans and t-shirts would be easier to wash/iron/etc. Not a criticism, just a curiosity. At first I thought maybe your family was Amish, but then I saw the car, the Bosch mixer (loved that contrast!) and perhaps the best picture of all, your little daughter in the plastic pink sit-up chair. (Beautiful family, by the way, and GORGEOUS pictures.) Much love and admiration from Italy, I look forward to your next post! xxx