I was thinking about this today while driving....
Many young women, Christians included, look at the role of wife and mother with disdain. They want independence, freedom. They don't want anyone telling them what to do; they don't want to be saddled down with the dullness of domesticity. The thought of staying home with young children seems antiquated, demeaning, unexciting. We mothers may say, "Being a mother is a gift from God, and the highest calling of for a wife" and our daughters may smile indulgently at us, all the while spinning dreams of working in the boardroom, operating room, theatre, sound studio, laboratory, or any other venue rather than the kitchen or in the living room scattered with toys.
We mothers may feel frustrated at that reality.
However, do we consciously promote an joyful attitude in our daily lives as mothers? It is not easy to find joy in mopping a floor or scraping dried cheese from the bottom of a plate; I hate doing both of those things. While the task changes from moment to moment, the source of our contentment is in obedience to God. Caring for our families is an act of love toward not only our families, but to God as well. While I don't always rejoice with the particular circumstance, I rejoice in the knowledge that I can obey God in this simple way.
I have often been guilty of complaining about the mundane household tasks; of bemoaning my family's cluttered tendencies; of grumbling about the lack of help I may receive at dish time. How often do I audibly thank God for all of this life that I have? Do they hear that? How often do I rejoice in simply being home with these gifts God has given?
Probably not often enough.
The simple fact is that it is hard to be content with circumstances. Our contentment must come from the knowledge that God blesses those who obey him; our contentment comes from knowing that we are demonstrating love and obedience to our God. I know that God is pleased when I obey Him. I want to obey and live for Him. As I abide in love, I abide in Him. Doing His will brings contentment.
It's not always easy to keep complaining and bitterness at bay when our kids are trouncing all over us in their childish way, and believe me, childishness does not go away at 13 or 14 (I'm only just realizing how self-involved teenagers are; I continue to apologize to my own mother for my behaviour as a teen). However, I have to try and seem joyful even when I am at my most despairing. I want my children to know how much I love having them home. I have to demonstrate that every day. And I have to pray regularly that God would cause love and contentment to be evident in my every word, thought, and deed.
