Is Mommy Work All in Vain?

Do you very feel like your work is in vain?

Take housework.  I get so frustrated that not 30 seconds after sweeping, crumbs fall to the tile like giant raindrops from the sky.   Then not 15 seconds after putting all of the toys away, new toys have come for an extended visit.

Or how about those moments when you make the decision to forgo what needs to be done? You set aside dishes or laundry to sit on the floor and play a game with your kiddos only to have one of them throw a fit because he didn’t draw the card that he wanted.  Or, you set up a craft time and the kids whine to go play with blocks instead.

You understand.

Author Jean Fleming shares in A Mother’s Heart:

Children rarely pat you on the back and say, “Mom, I really appreciate your wisdom and your daily sacrifices.  You have truly enriched my life and helped me grow.  I’m sure grateful for all you do.”

If we are to keep going as mothers we need to be motivated by an inner conviction of what is truly important. 

What is that inner conviction?

It is the conviction that we are doing God’s work for His approval and not for our children’s. 

Galatians 1:10 says, “Am I now trying to win the approval of men [my children], or of God? Or am I trying to please men [my children]? If I were still trying to please men [my children], I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Onlookers see the daily activities that I do with and for my family.  They use this to judge whether I am a good or bad mom, wife, and housekeeper.   While my children are young, they notice the little things that I do for them.  It will be many, many years before all of that is appreciated.

But God knows.  He knows my attitude as I do the mundane things for my family.  He knows whether I do each task with love or with an ugly spirit.

Each time I clean off the table, I am serving my family and leading by example.  Each time that I play a game, I am training my children to show respect to others.  Each time I set up a craft, I am helping my children see beauty in God’s creation.

My work is not in vain.