The exciting day I started kindergarten with my daughter, I had no idea that just weeks later, home school would convert into sheer torture. I’ll never forget her bright cheery face as we opened those spanking new workbooks. I had an eager student hankering to catch up with her older brother.
Soon after, problems cropped up.
When I held up a phonics chart, Camilla couldn’t figure out if the letters “MA” said “am or “ma.” I’d remind her of the differences between “b” and “d,” only to see her make the same mistakes the following day. Camilla got frustrated easily, so I slowed down to half a lesson a day.
For two years, I’d listen to her struggle to sound out words day after day. I wanted to scream, “RED! It says ‘red.’ Just read it!” I tried my best to be patient, but I wondered:
“Is my work making any difference?”
We stay at home moms ask ourselves that question often. We wash clothes, only to find the laundry basket overflowing the next day. We go grocery shopping, only to find the fridge empty three days later. We try every idea in the book to potty train our toddler, but he pees on the floor again.
Paul must have read my mind when he penned these words:
Maybe you’ve wondered the same thing: “Does what I’m doing matter?”
Let’s look at 3 lessons we can learn from 1 Corinthians 15:58.
Stand firm.
When you want to head for the hills, hang in there instead. Cook one more meal. Make one more carpool run. Hold on to patience and correct your child one more time when he smart mouths you. When you want to give up, hold tighter to the Word of God and let nothing move you.
Give yourself fully.
As a mother, often I do my work half-heartedly. I tutor a child or take him to buy shoes, but I wish I were doing something else. That’s why Paul’s word, “Give yourself fully to the work of the Lord,” challenges me. I want to be present to my family and remember that ultimately I’m serving God as I serve them.
Remember Your Work is Not in Vain.
As you cook and clean, you’re creating a life-giving environment for your family. As you train and love on your children, you’re planting seeds for their future. You may have to wait to see the fruit, but in due season, you will. God’s Word says, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Gal. 6:9)
Even though I wondered if I’d ever be able to teach my daughter to read, 10 years later God has allowed me to see the fruit of my labor. Camilla is an articulate, enthusiastic girl with a creative bent. This month my dyslexic daughter is pounding out 1,250 words a day for a novel she’s writing.
So when you wonder if your work matters, don’t give up! Stand firm and keep your eyes on Jesus. He’ll give you the strength you need to hang in there and the faith you need to believe that one day you’ll reap a harvest of blessing.
Now it’s your turn: What helps you hang in there on the hard days?
I link up with these communities: Holly Barrett’s #TestimonyTuesday, Kelly Balarie’s #RaRalinkup, Jennifer Dukes Lee’s #TellHisStory, Holley Gerth’s Coffee for Your Heart, and Grace & Truth.
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photo credit: Kim MyoungSung, Creative Commons
Betsy, My Three Sons are grown and out of the house but I remember those days you speak of here…and I homeschooled two of them for a while. I was pretty frustrated and wondered if I ever made a difference. But today? Those three sons are 23, 28, and 34 years old and my daughter-in-law always tells me “Those boys must have had the most wonderful childhood ever because they talk about it and want to relive it all the time!”
Well, it wasn’t perfect and I certainly wasn’t perfect but they tell me what they remember most is that I was there. Now, that’s not a reflection on those who must work and cannot be there when their children get home from school. Definitely not. This was just a season of life for my boys and that is their memory. Each mother makes different memories that the kids hold on to! You might not feel you are making a difference but trust me, they will remember ♥
Awesome, Nannette! How wonderful that your boys have such fond memories of childhood. Yes, I also totally respect those who must work outside the home or decide to do so by choice! Each mother makes a different memory, as you say. Probabaly all of us have doubted if our work makes a difference.
Great post, Betsy! I was never a stay-at-home mom but I have had some hard days! 🙂 Some of them are happening right now. So I just keep on praying and holding on to the promises God has made to me for my life…trusting that He is working in all and through all.
Blessings and grace to you, Holly, as you hang in there. (You’re not a head for the hills kind of girl, I can tell!). May God give you strength to stand firm during the hard days and may you see fruit that comes from remaining in Him.
Betsy, where were you with this word of encouragement when my kids were growing up and I felt defeated. Oh yeah, that’s right, no blogs back then.
You’ve brought a good word to many a discouraged mom. Thank you!
Thanks for being here Christy. There is so much encouragement for moms on-line now. When my kids were toddlers, there were no blogs either!
Betsy, you truly are an inspiration to me. There are so many days when I’ve wondered this very thing, but I know my work is not in vain. Thank you for this lovely reminder to stay the course, and know what we do makes a difference. And your daughter- wow! Go, Camilla!
Yes, Camilla is a power-house! I’m so proud of her. Abby, may the Lord give you grace and strength as you stay the course. You are one great mom! I can tell.
Hi Betsy I love your #3 Word of wisdom. Even if sometimes you fill there is no reward for the mundane chores, There is a Blessing tied to each of our daily tasks as long as we do them wholeheartedly without grudges.
Thank you for this dose of encouragement. I really do appreciate it.
Many blessings to you
Blessings to you Ifeoma! Thanks for stopping by today. We need God’s glasses to see our household work!
Hi Betsy! Teaching children at home is difficult enough, and you had a child with a learning disability to boot. My friend, you know all about patience and hanging in there. And your Camilla is living proof of your cooperation with grace. What a beautiful witness to the power of love!
You always amaze me. Great word today 🙂
From #RaRa Linkup,
Ceil
Hi there Ceil. Teaching children at home is a challenge and a blessing. I wouldn’t have it any other way. God’s grace is what gets me through! Thanks for your encouragement.
Stay at home Moms have the hardest job out there, but also one of the most rewarding. Sounds like you know that more than most. What a wonderful testimony of His grace and mercy through your life story.
Thanks Kim. I think I probably know LESS than most stay at home moms, but I’m so thankful for God’s grace.
What a powerful, much needed word for mamas. Although my kids are young adults, they are still living at home. It can get very frustrating when you think the house should stay cleaner longer, the fridge shouldn’t be empty as quick. But, the truth is, it doesn’t matter what age our children our job is still the same. And the frustrations are still the same. And the feeling of being overwhelmed are still the same. And I still wonder if I’m making a difference. Your words have equipped me to stay in the game and give it all I’ve got. It does matter!
Thank you so much for your encouragement this week! #RaRaLinkup
Wow, I haven’t thought ahead to the possibility of young adults living here! I can only imagine. (Mine are teens, so it must be similar in some ways.) May the Lord continue to bless you in your changing role as a mom, Stephanie, and in whatever other hats you wear!
I may not be a mother yet, but reading your words makes me remember and give thanks for the work my mum has continuously done throughout my life. Mother’s are simply amazing. Thanks for sharing at Purposeful Faith!
Hi there Ruth. May God give you perseverence with your work and ministry too!
We all have such great worth and I thank you for the reminder that stay at home moms certainly need to hear this. I have never been a stay at home mom but refer to the verse from Corinthians in my life as a teacher. There are struggles in that profession but also just in daily life and turning to God is the only thing that ever works. So good to see you today! Blessings!
Yes, all work we do can be unto the Lord, so that verse definitely applies, doesn’t it, Mary? I’m sure you as a teacher have had similar thoughts! Have a great week!
Betsy,
When I was in the “trenches” of being a stay at home mom, sure there were those moments that I wanted to run away from home. But, then miraculously there would come one of those priceless moments with my kids, that had I not been at home, I would have missed. I decided I never wanted to have any regrets and that helped me stick it out when the going got rough. Also, remembering how blessed I was to have the choice of being able to stay home helped to adjust my attitude when it went a little off track. Thanks for the great reminders.
Blessings,
Bev
You are so right Bev. Remembering how fortunate I am to BE ABLE to stay home with my kids reminds me I’m blessed! Now knowing that these days will end soon makes me savor them all the more. 🙂
I always joke that I suffer from dyscalculia, so I have a hard time memorizing numbers such as Bible chapters and verses. The verse that holds me together some days is the one about our words not coming back empty. No matter how inadequate we feel, if we stay close to God and purpose to speak life, God will bless our words and multiply them in HIS ways.
I realize I have dyslexic tendencies myself, Anita. I’m a TERRIBLE speller. My high school son spells better than I do. I love that verse you mention. God IS blessing and multiplying your words, friend!
I remember those homeschooling days. And having to convince myself that what I was doing WAS indeed important, even when it didn’t feel like it. Yes, it matters. Keep up the good work, mama! :
Yep, I’m gonna keep on keeping on. You too, Lisa, with whatever God has in front of you every day. Keep up the good work!
I love this! Especially the “give yourself fully” section….great admonishment! And congratulations on your daughter’s success and upcoming novel. You must be a proud mama!
Yes, I am a proud mama, Stephanie. Giving ourselves fully is maybe the hardest part, don’t you think? Blessings.
That is one of my FAAAAAVORITE Bible verses <3 <3 <3. And your testimony about your daughter was a great encouragement to me. Thank you for sharing it!
Yes, when I see her now, it gives me faith for other things that look impossible!
Betsy, Betsy, Betsy!!!! Thank You!! Tears are running down my cheeks. I felt like you just gave me a big hug today with your words.
Do you know Lisa, that after I posted this, I thought of you. Really did. You are doing a great job as a Mom, Lisa! Your work matters and it will have eternal fruit!
Thank You Betsy!! I receive!
Betsy, this is so encouraging. Thank you so much for writing this, because many a days I feel -impatient. You are so kind, I probably would have yelled out in frustration. You encourage me to be more patient. Great words. I cheer you on from the #RaRalinkup on Purposeful Faith.
Thanks, Kelly. I’m not a patient person, believe me! But I’m learning and growing, and I bet you are too! Love to you, friend.
My sister home schools her kids, and I think it is an amazing skill to have. But yes I am sure it takes adjusting!
Thank you for the encouragement that what I do matters!
Home school is not for everyone Sarah! And yay, what you do matters! I’m giving you a big cheer from the other side of the computer screen!
Those are such important truths to keep in mind, Betsy! Thanks for a very timely post.
Thanks for stopping by here, Jennifer. Blessings to your family.
Preach it, sister! Mamas DO make a difference 🙂
Amen, Joanna! Let’s preach it!
Thank you! I walked past the laundry pile early this morning and groaned – just finished doing several loads the other day, and it looks like a mountain to tackle today. Discouraging for sure. But you’re right – our work matters. Everything we do for our family – no matter how big or little – is a blessing. Thank you for sharing with us at Grace & Truth!