Mothering-such a high calling

"If commitment to our role as a mother languishes, this may be true not because the job is too small or unchallenging, but because our vision is too small. Our dreams for our task may be thin and weak. We fail to hear God's call and miss the broad scope of the possibilities before us. We focus instead on the routine activities and demands--changing diapers, potty training, cleaning up messes, telling the kids for the fifth time not to slam the door--and miss any sense of a higher calling.

Mothers, look up and look ahead! Ask yourself; in five, ten, twenty, even forty years what will I wish that I had done today? We want to avoid reaching the end of our lives with regret. Look ahead, plan what is important and live accordingly...

Several years ago, I heard a dedicated missionary share what she would do differently if she could start raising her family again. This woman was committed to Christ, and His cause, and she spent her life serving others--so the depth and quality of her life made me sit up and listen when she shared. She said she would stay home more, be kinder to her children, and feed them spiritually....

I too am jealous for the influence I have at this crucial period in my childrens life, to teach him what is good, to enrich his life with beauty, to train him in obedience and respect, to stimulate his eager intellect, to encourage his attempt to try new things, and to play with him, I want to enjoy these years that happen only once and are soon gone forever." A Mother's Heart by Jean Fleming

These quotes are from a book I am reading this week, after feeling so keenly my need of renewal in my mothering. It has really challenged, encouraged and reproved me. I have a long way to go, but I am seeking the Lord for His grace to "be there" more for my children, instead of being so caught up in the next thing to check off my mental list for the day. My children need mama, not just someone to clean, cook and care for them, but MAMA in the real sense of the word. So, I am trying to take those few moments to throw a frisbee, examine a bug, or build a train track. (typing this as I kiss and snuggle my 4 yob who just woke up from his nap a little while ago)

BTW, today H sat down as pretty as you please and went in her little potty chair! After a few days of feeling discouraged about the progress, this was a breakthrough!