Nicolaes Maes
Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him, Jesus,knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself.
Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.” ~John 13:1-5
Though it was a holiday and a break from work for many, plenty of mamas around the United States spent yesterday much like any other–cooking meals, cleaning up messes, wiping faces, washing laundry. Sometimes it seems a holiday only guarantees there will be more work when the party is over! And yet what a gift it is, every time we are given the opportunity to have a few extra hours to gather with friends and relax with family.
In order for anyone to enjoy life at all, someone has to do some work! How could we enjoy a fun picnic if no one packed it? And lets’ not imagine the way our children’s bedrooms would look were all the moms to cease their labor!
I am grateful for the example of Jesus, who shows us over and over again as we read of the way He interacted with His disciples that these little things … these unending, sometimes tiresome tasks moms face day after day … they can become holy actions as we offer them to Him. Every time we serve our children, we invest in them, building bridges from our hearts to theirs, helping their souls understand the love and grace of God.
“Jesus spent His last night on earth with His disciples in service to them. How powerful their memories of that night must have been–the King of the whole universe touching and rubbing their dusty feet and gently drying them with a towel. Their Lord and Master breaking the loaf of bread and serving each of them for the celebrated feast of the Passover.
Jesus’ example of servant leadership sets Him apart from so many historical religious leaders. He was not a God who lorded it over His followers and demanded they follow Him or coerced their obedience through authoritarianism and fear. Instead, He called them to the excellence of holiness and yet lovingly served them in order to win their hearts and show them the means of reaching others’ hearts as well.
As I look to the hearts of my own children, even as adults, and seek to teach them about the grace of God, I realize my love and service to them must come before any of my great words, my teaching and training. My time–staying up late at night for conversations, watching movies and discussing them, my attention, my “soft-tickling”, laying in bed with my sweet ones, listening to their hearts when I would rather be in bed–even when I am tired or have other “important” things on my mind–is what builds our relationship and prepares them to listen to what I have to say. Only then, once the wells of their need are filled with the grace of being loved, will my words to them about God’s grace finally make sense.” ~ from The Ministry of Motherhood
I want my children to understand God’s goodness and love. And while demonstrating patience and service to them isn’t always easy, it is always my privilege.
Even on a holiday!
How about you? What kind of weekend did you have?
Dear Sally ~ Your words are ‘fitly spoken in due season’. We spent the day yesterday – all of it – on a family ‘mission’ trip to Tim’s ministry/office. We painted, decorated, dejunked and rearranged everything we could find. He works for an inner-city ministry that’s 25 yrs old. They rarely stop to fix things up for themselves as they’re always giving to those in need. We (12 of us) converged on the empty office and worked like Trojan’s. Our work ended with a fellowship meal on campus. Once back in the comforts of our home, showered and fed – we FELL in bed exhausted – with a smile. And who’s idea was this family mission? Mom’s – of course.
)
Today – as I start my school week and spend precious moments alone – I draw comfort from your words. All the sudden – the aches and pains my body is protesting with – are quieted and I look forward to greeting my kiddos this day.
Bless you!
I love this philosophy of mothering, but I struggle with how it works out practically while still nurturing marriage. When the kids are finally in bed, it is FINALLY time for husband and me to spend a bit of time together and I have guarded this time carefully. I have also always tried to make sure he is my first earthly priority. If he needs something during the day or on a day off, I will set aside the non-urgent kid stuff to help him. Now that I have a preteen who always wants to talk at bedtime (for hours), and 4 other younger ones who still need me a lot, I feel like I am having to choose. How do I find a balance? Anyone?
I was spoiled this weekend. We went to a family bible camp for the weekend. We were there to serve, but I felt blessed beyond measure. The laundry was still waiting when we got home….I didn’t have to cook the whole weekend!
A special treat to be sure. It was a refreshing for the boys and I that we really needed. They got to run and play in a safe place. Daddy worked the hardest of us all.
Father, thank you for this time of refreshing. Please help me to draw from it as I face this day filled with all the normal activities.
I love this so much. In our serving of our families, Jesus invites us into deeper intimacy – the sharing of His heart as the ultimate Servant Leader. Thank you so much for the reminder…. serving is the greatest privilege.
PS – I spent my weekend mostly caring for my sick husband and son.
Totally worth it. 
@Stephanie: I find that if one of my children (they are between 16 & 20 yrs old) wants to talk to me night after night (particularly at bed time), then I make it a point to have some one-on-one time with that child. After some really good one-on-one time the bed time talks diminish, though I never want them to go completely away…:-)
Really Sally….did you have to ruin my pity party?
Seriously, I was just complaining about how our family “staycation” really was not going to be a vacation at all for me. Your timing is impeccable & your message, as always, changes my heart & perspective. Thank you.
I spent the weekend redoing my girls room(they are 13 and 7). My oldest helped and we had a great time. She is still thanking me for it! What a blessing.
Thank you for this!!! I sat through another little “show” my kids put on last night…it was so hard (my flesh thinking I had more “important” things to do!), but they seemed so glad that I did!
This philosophy of parenting is a much needed message for our generation of parents. Your words very much echo the wisdom that I gained under the training of Ambleside Schools International (Charlotte Mason schools).
I was taught that children are RARELY rebellious. 99% of the time, their failure to behave appropriately is due to weakness or ignorance. It is our duty to come up with strategies that strengthen them where they are weak. And it is our duty to gently inform their ignorance. And, when we treat weakness or ignorance as though it is rebellion, we actually incite rebellion in their hearts.
We hold high expectations, as we lovingly lead them toward maturity.