I. Am. Whooped.
I wish I could say I’m whooped because…
“I had a big day at the office.”
Or because…
“I’m jet-lagged from my world-wide travels to share the gospel.”
Or because…
“I spent all day feeding the hungry, caring for the homeless, and loving on orphans.”
I imagine that if any of those were the cause of my whoopedness then I’d be sitting in my favorite green chair,
under the soft glow of a dim-lit lamp,
sipping some decaf,
penning my way through the day’s testimonies of Kingdom-effectiveness for future generations to read and cherish.
But no.
I am not sipping decaf. Nope, nights like these call for something a little stronger – a brownie and ice cream.
And, no, I am not sitting in my favorite green chair.
If I were sitting in my green chair then I would have to look at the mess in my kitchen, dining room, and living room…
…which would only draw my thoughts further into all that I didn’t accomplish today – and remind me that one of my children didn’t do their evening chore like they’re supposed to…
…and then I’d start considering all the ways I’ve gone wrong in my parenting…
…which would lead me to wonder if my kids even truly understand the gospel…
…and that would lead me to consider that everything I’m investing my time in could end up being a complete waste of my time…
and if everything I’m doing is pointless then someday my epitaph shall simply read:
Niki Schemanski
Average Wife.
Okay Mother.
Failure at everything else.
I am whooped.
Not because I had a big day at the office –
but because I am a stay-at-home mom.
I’m not jet-lagged from evangelizing the world,
just sleep deprived because my toddler operates in a different time zone.
And I’m exhausted,
not because I spent the day feeding the hungry, caring for the homeless, and loving on orphans —
oh — wait.
… yes, I did! That’s exactly what I did.
I fed the hungry, made a home for the homeless, and loved on children who desperately need the love of the Father.
Man, being a mom… what can I say?
What a ministry, to be the hands and feet of Jesus every day to such tender hearts.
Not a day goes by that I don’t sincerely thank God for giving me the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom.
I often think to myself, I have the best job in the world!
But, if I’m being truly honest, I also have to confess that rarely a day goes by that I don’t day dream of being more than ‘just a stay-at-home mom’.
Have you been there, fellow mom?
Oh how I want to make a difference!
I want to leave a legacy.
I want to help the needy.
I want to love God, love people, and hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
And, on days like today – weeks like the last few weeks – I am gently reminded by the Holy Spirit
that there is no greater opportunity to make a difference than right here at home, influencing the hearts and minds of my own children.
What better way to leave a legacy than to authentically live out the gospel of Jesus Christ day-in-and-day-out, through both the ugly and beautiful moments of our days?
And, truth be told, there is no time like the present to help those who are needy, hungry, and hurting,
even if they’re the same little people you helped yesterday, and the day before, and the day before that, and – you get the point.
It’s not likely anyone will ever write a book about your outstanding parenting skills.
You won’t win a Grammy, Dove Award, Nobel or Pulitzer Prize because you stayed at home and raised your kids.
There won’t be any charity events held in your name to raise money for your parenting cause.
You probably won’t have your own line of clothing, jewelry, or perfumes because you’re an awesome parent.
You won’t get your face on a billboard sign because you chose to be a stay-at-home mom.
Sorry.
Most of what you do will never be seen, applauded, or even acknowledged as anything noteworthy.
But. There is ONE who knows.
He sees what nobody else sees.
The early hours. The late hours. The what-do-they-need-now hours.
He hears the songs that nobody else hears.
The songs you’ve sung a hundred times but still sing like it’s the first time, just to see them smile.
He hears the prayers that nobody else hears.
What is going on?
Why is this happening?
How long oh Lord?
When will this end?
Where do we go from here?
These desperate prayers – He hears them all.
He sees the tears that nobody else sees.
The ugly, snotty tears from one who needs mercy and grace.
The gritted-teeth, clenched-jaw tears from a heart that is hurting like crazy.
The face-to-the-floor surrendered tears that beg for wisdom and guidance.
The sweet tears of gratitude that puddle and spill over in adoration and praise.
Oh what reward awaits those who live their lives before this audience of ONE!
Sure, it’s only laundry, cooking, shopping, cleaning, bathing, shuttling, playing, educating, crafting, and listening to overly-detailed stories and really lame jokes.
But, when we look into the faces of our children – and instead of seeing needy, mess-making, interrupting, problem-inducing, hindering humans – we see,
well … our true full-time ministry… then it becomes so much more.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for people.”
Colossians 3:23
And the King will answer them,
‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Matthew 25:40
My dear whooped mommas out there, never underestimate your influence on earth and effectiveness for the Kingdom of God as you live your life before an audience of ONE.
♦♦♦
I’d love to hear from you! You can share your own insights and thoughts in the comments section below.
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This post first appeared at beautifullymessedup.com