"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue... Her children arise and call her blessed." Proverbs 31: 25-26, 28
So, in this chapter, we learn about the influence a mother has. One of the things in this chapter is a chart on the different jobs a mom holds, for example executive chef, financial manager, registered nurse, etc. At the end of the chart it gives us the figure of at least $507,000 a year! Wouldn't that be great if we moms truly got paid for what we do on a daily basis! Of course, the author also lists things that are priceless and can never be measured, like kissing a boo-boo, fixing a favorite meal just the way they like it, adjudicating sibling disputes, cheering enthusiastically from the side lines.
There are a few myths that she talks about as well:
Myth 1: Genetics and peer pressure-not mothers- influence children most.
Deuteronomy 6:4-7 "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up." Ladd says, "Clearly God places in the hands of parents- not peers, not schoolteachers, not government officials, or anyone else- the responsibility for teaching their children to love God and obey his Word."
Myth 2: Motherhood causes women to miss out on the exciting things in life.
Matthew 10:39 "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." She goes on to say, "Committing ourselves to love and care for our children as God commands- even if it means putting their needs above our own, time and time again- is the way to a full and abundant life.
Myth 3: Being a mother is a waste of a woman's talents and abilities
"Being a mother broadens our worldview and opens our hearts to a deeper compassion and love for others. It constantly exposes us to new challenges and stretches us to learn new skills."
Remember: "You are absolutely essential in your home and in the lives of your kids. Your job has more than monetary value; it has eternal value!" AMEN!
Colossians 3:17, 23-24 "And whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him... Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
"But we must never think pridefully that we are the sole influence in our children's lives!"
Read: Psalm 34. Underline or copy the significant verses. Choose one to memorize this week.
Choose: I will view my role in motherhood as a highly significant investment of my time and energy.
Do: On a large index card, write out your job description. Be creative and include all of your responsibilities. Here's an example.
Encourages and instructs all clients as to the best use of their time, gifts and talents. Invests love, care, strength, and tears into all clients' accounts. Drives to most locations. Attends all performances and events in which clients are participating. Provides for basic needs of food, clothing, and clean house. Irons occasionally upon request.
Questions to answer:
1. In what ways has being a mother changed you into a better person?
2. How does it help you to know that God is your employer?
3. Share your job description from the Do section above.
4. Share one or two of your favorite verses from Psalm 34.
5. Share any prayer requests or praises.
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1. I'm definitely more laid back now, it takes a lot of time to get things done with young children and that's ok with me now. Playing with them all day long and not getting any chores done is getting easier as the days go on.
ReplyDelete2. I know that He sees everything I do and appreciates it, even when my hubby doesn't notice.
3. Looking for that one person who does it all? Look no further! I can be a short order cook, a personal shopper, maid, accountant, child care provider, nurse (kisses always make everything all better), photographer, designer of kids rooms, child entertainer, and much, much more. Enjoy it while you can!
4. vs. 10 "The Lion may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."
vs. 11 "Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord."
It was encouraging to read this!
ReplyDelete1. I think being a mother has forced me to become less selfish because over and over and over again, I was forced to put my children's needs above mine.
2. When the "world" says I should have been out there earning a living instead of staying at home raising my kids, it helps a lot to know that God valued those years at home.
3. Runs the household, procures supplies, fixes meals, does laundry and cleaning, does all the bookkeeping and taxes, chauffeurs when necessary, and tries to encourage.
4. I sought the Lord and He heard my cry and delivered me from all my fears. (v.4)
Those who look to Him are radiant (v.5)
Entering the job market after your kids are grown is no fun (but it can be done!), and it really helps me to remember that I am positive that it was God's will for me to stay home when my kids were young ... and He saw me and what I did was valuable in His eyes. After all, that's all that really matters in the end anyway.