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Finding Joy

I am the mother of 5 children. Most days I still cannot believe it, although reality hits when I am being pulled in different directions by 5 needy children.

I have been thinking lately about how to "enjoy my children" as I have been told numerous times by well-intentioned, and much wiser, friends. But, honestly, I have no idea how to do that. It is something I have struggled with for years, and as my kids get older, the more I miss out on, or so it seems. I just can't seem to grasp how to balance all of my responsibilities: wife, mother, chef, laundress, chauffeur, maid, and many others that I can't seem to think of off-hand. Don't get me wrong, I love Taylor Ann and am so thankful for all that God has taught me through her short time with our family. I am just struggling even more to find time to do even the simplest of everyday tasks (like showering!!) even more so now that she is here.

But today during Sunday School, a thought occurred to me that was very encouraging and helped changed my perspective (or is helping to change it). In the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-30), the Lord entrusts each servant with a certain amount of talents. Rather than thinking negatively as I have been ("How am I ever going to get a shower when this baby won't stop crying?" or "Why does Teagan always take her shoes off just as we are about ready to walk out the door?" or "Why can't the boys keep their hands to themselves in the car so no one gets hurt?") I need to think positively: the Lord is pleased with my mothering as He has entrusted me with more children. Despite the difficulties, I am trying to be faithful in raising my children to honor and glorify Him in all things. Now, I realize that is not the true meaning behind that particular parable, but in thinking in terms of my faithfulness, it helps me to have a positive perspective on mothering, an often difficult job!

I know I need to relax a little and let my list of "to do" items wait as my children are growing quickly. Time is passing and there is no turning back; so often I have been told, "They are only little once" and it is so true! This week, while we are on Spring Break and TJ is away, I am resolving to find joy in the difficulties of mothering small children and to prove myself faithful in the little, and big, things of life.

*His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' ~Matthew 25:23
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