Encouragement for Tired Mamas

The job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Therefore, it is the route to sanctity. 

Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God's way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.  The discipline of this job is, in fact, the chisel God has chosen to shape me with--into the image of Christ.  

Thank you, Lord, for the work You have assigned me. I take it as your gift; I offer it back to you. With your help I will do it gladly, faithfully. I will trust you to make me holy.    Elisabeth Elliot

Mothering small children can be exhausting. It can also seem pointless. Some days you repeat the same cautions and instructions over and over. You can train repeatedly in the same thing. And some days it seems like nothing is working. There are no results. They aren't learning. 

So why discipline? Why train? Certainly not for results. There are days- week even- when there are none. It's a hard work.  So we discipline out of obedience. Train your children because God says it is your responsibility as the mama. 

I'm there, friends. Some days my discipline and training seems to have no results. There are thankfully other weeks when I can see the fruit of my persistence. But it's easy to be discouraged in the time when you feel overwhelmed by the challenge.  Pray for wisdom and strength. Step out of the room to calm down if you need to. Then roll up your sleeves and show them again. Calmly. Cheerfully. Love those children. Correct their sin. Enjoy your time with them. 

Don't discipline for the results or you'll quit when there aren't any. Train your children daily and you will reap the results. (Maybe even when you are out in public!) 

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

Train and discipline out of obedience. Solely because God told you to. It's part of your work as a mother.  

Do your work well today, mamas.