As a mom of young ones, it can be easy to place your identity in being a mom. To lose focus of your part in the church body.
We are sleep-deprived and tired on a level only moms can understand. Not being able to get ample rest while caring for the tiny humans in your care can be exhausting.
We give and give at home. And that’s ok because that’s the life we have chosen to live but the overwhelming nature of it all can come as somewhat of a shock. We didn’t know exactly what we signed up for and each day that goes by can pull us deeper and deeper into motherhood and feeling like we are losing not only our sanity but our identity as a person.
Church can start to feel like a wasted use of time.
I know, for me, I have spent my fair season of time in the back of the church, holding a baby as they refuse to be happy in the nursery.
It would definitely be easier to stay home. To not show up. Or even better, to drop those babies off in children’s ministry and run to the nearest Starbucks or Target! (I’m not suggesting this, don’t do that.) But we can dream, right?
It’s so important that we push through these feelings and show our children the importance of placing God first in our lives. In the car, on the way to church, talk about that. Tell them you value going and hope that they will too.
It’s not about us
But know what? We are a part of something bigger than us. And we are each important to keeping the church going.
Yes, you.
And me.
Us moms.
We are prayer warriors. We are a welcoming presence. We are worshippers. Together, we bring joy and vibrancy into the church with our crew of children.
We are part of what keeps the church alive and active.
Who am I?
Although I am a mom of a clingy toddler, I am also a daughter of the Most High King, who loves when I gather with others to worship Him in whatever way I can!
And every time I push through those feelings of just wanting to stay home and instead choose to get everyone dressed, in the van, and to church, I leave refreshed and filled from being with other believers. We need the church. I may still be tired, but I can be tired and energized by Jesus at the same time when I allow Him to claim me for his own.
Created for purpose
We are not just “moms”, we are identified as God’s own, hand-made, uniquely designed creation. Created to not only carry the title of “mom” but to be a mom who is raising children who walk in truth. To be teachers of the word of God to little minds so that they can also find their identity in Christ and not the world. In this season of motherhood, we are called to use our short time wisely, investing in them.
So, don’t let the feeling of wasted weeks spent in the back of the auditorium or in the nursing mom’s room or the rough mornings getting everyone around keep you from getting to church.
Your presence is needed. Not just for you. But for the church.
Embrace the calling
Being a mom is an important call that God equips us to be in. If you have a child in your care, you have a responsibility to mother. Don’t believe the lie that you are incapable of mothering. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a work outside the home mom, you are capable. With God’s help, we are all capable.
Find yourself in Christ
But remember, it doesn’t overshadow our personal identity in Christ. He has big plans for each of us, in every season that we find ourselves in.
If we neglect our relationship with God during this time, not only will mothering become overwhelming, but when the mothering time comes to an end, we will be more lost than ever.
4 Simple steps to relationship with God
1. Prioritize space for you and God. (I know this can be difficult and typically falls to the bottom of your list. You’re not alone. But let’s work at getting it to the top.)2. Spend time praying. (Just talk. No need for fancy, rehearsed, or memorized prayers. Just pour out your heart to Him.)
3. Open your Bible and read. (There is so much power in Scripture. If you are not utilizing this power, gets ta reading!)
4. Develop relationships with other believers who encourage your relationship with God.
Taking the time to “fill ourselves up” is a really big deal. Being a mom is a draining job. It can suck the life right out of you and exhaust you to a level you never knew possible. But it doesn’t have to suck the spiritual side of you. Place God as a very high priority and prepare to have a supernatural energy.
The strongest women are the ones who are on their knees asking God to guide them not the ones standing on their own two feet.
If you are in this season of “mom”, let’s pour what we can into it.
But remember, the easiest containers to pour from are full.
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Lindsay says
I needed this read today. ❤️
Rachelle says
I’m so glad it resonated with you. Thank you for sharing 🙂