Several years ago I took a very in depth Bible Study/Class on discipleship. We read the Bible, we read Bonhoeffer and we even read a book by a Communist detailing how to pursue people to make disciples. Through the six week class we had to pray and really delve into God’s mission for each of us and to develop into disciple makers. By the end of the class we were to enter into 2-3 mentor relationships. At the time all my kids were little and I was struggling with God’s purpose for me. It seemed like all I did was say, “No” and clean up messes and teach basic reading. I didn’t feel used for anything important.
Through out the class I still felt less than, as the other members were VP’s of major corporations or Professors at a local University. I learned something that changed my outlook on life. God revealed His purpose for me, to make disciples of my three children. My job was to enter into a teaching and mentor relationship with my three kids and that’s how God was choosing to use me. My very important job was to prepare them Spiritually, Emotionally and Academically for whatever God would have for them as they leave our home. I felt appointed by God for this very unique position that only I could do. It could only be me. It was up to me to dedicate myself to this task that God gave me. I wrote out my Mission Statement, my Objectives and Goals and have kept them close to me ever since. There were days that I longed for a more glamorous task, an easier task, a task that allowed me to hire out the cleaning, the laundry and the whining. It is the hardest thing I have ever done but it’s also the best. So Moms who are in the midst of the hard days, let me encourage you to spend some time in prayer, figure out what God is calling you to do, write it out and post it where you can see it, and then put your head down and get it done. Every day I have to choose again to get out of bed, even when my back is out and it takes my 30 min of Pilates just to be able to leave my room and do what I am called to. It is hard but it is oh so worth it. I am grateful for every day I have been able to disciple and teach my kids. I can see the fruit showing up in the lives of my kids and I know that Jesus gave me the best purpose ever.
Categories: parenting
Very encouraging, Sis. Thank you for your words. Feeling purpose outside raising one’s family is definitely a thing we moms with young children struggle with. Remembering that our ultimate purpose is to raise disciples gives much more fulfillment to our job. Sweet pic of your babes, btw. Caileigh really reminds me of Alina with her similar hairdo in this shot!