I should give my very best version of myself each and every day, in order that I may glorify Jesus.
Wiping a snotty nose, cleaning up yogurt that was splattered across the room from breakfast, holding your crying child as you hurriedly try to piece together dinner for them so they can get to bed on time. It can be really easy to just “get by” or to move through each moment wishing it would be over just so you can get a break.
Being a new parent has been a huge life change. I am sure many can relate to this reality. It can be and is a lot to handle most of the time. I get the privilege of being able to stay home with my son, and while that may sound like a dream to some (and it is my dream), there are many times when I have thought to myself, “I really don’t want to clean the kitchen”, or “Why can’t they stop crying or just go to sleep?,” or “I don’t feel like reading or playing or changing another poopy diaper.” I am constantly reminding myself and asking God to change my mindset to be more pleasing to Him. The Message puts Colossians 3 verses 23-25 into perspective, “Don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.”
The type of example that I am, as a wife and mother to my children, will ultimately either point them to Jesus or to the world. If I chose to complain every time there was a mess that was made, or if I never slowed down in order to get rid of distractions to be present with my son, I would surely miss out on so many opportunities to teach him and learn from him. Amidst all of the frustration that can come with being a parent, giving our all, slowing down, and savoring each moment, even the sometimes annoying and messy ones, can be the most rewarding and joy-filled parts.
Ephesians 4:1-2 (ESV) says, “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” If I am called to be a wife and mother, then it should be my honor and privilege to live out those callings. I should give my very best version of myself each and every day, in order that I may glorify Jesus. Jesus doesn’t ask us to just survive or get by, and he gave us his Spirit so that we may be capable of anything. Even the snotty, loud, and smelly things.
