Encouragement
“A seed is useless until it is cast into the soil where it will die in order to become something greater-a plant, a flower, a tree. In the same way, my dedication to life at home as a mother is a seed of sacrifice. I give up my own desires and sacrifice my gifts and talents so that new life may come from me. I am buried in the rich soil of housework, homeschooling, character training, disciplining, and the myriad responsibilities of make a home. To many in my generation, my decision to stay at home is a fruitless sacrifice, a waste of feminine intelligence and abilities. To me, though, it is a small sacrifice if by it I may send my children into the next generation bursing with spiritual life, ready to change the world for Christ.”
“If I want to be set apart for God’s purposes, then I need to have an intimate knowledge of the God whose purposes I want to serve. The more I fellowship with him through prayer and reading his Word, the more clearly I will begin to know and recognize his will for my life. While other trusted believers may provide some needed wisdom or perspective, God’s will is primarily a personal matter discovered through prayer, reflection on his Word, and daily obedience. God’s will is not something hidden that needs to be found but, rather, something that needs to be done.”
-Sally Clarkson, Seasons of a Mother’s Heart
You know… I needed to read this today. Thanks for the encouragement…through Sally C.
I've been thinking of a word here of late. Perserverance. I think it applies here as well.
wise words from a wise woman.
it is important that if we are considering sacrifice that
we cleave to the One who sacrificed all. that way we do
not become either proud or bitter, special weaknessed
of mine.
blessings,
lea
I admit. I get in the rut of motherhood without seeing it as an investment in God's kingdom. May this be the prayer of my heart…to sacrifice for my children so that they may know Him. And I wholeheartedly agree God's will becomes so much more clear through the pages of Scripture!
Thank you Sally!
I especially like the comment about Wisdom from trusted believers is good but it can’t take the place of prayer and daily obediece and his word! Sometimes its so easy to run to a friend rather than to go straight to God.
this is a great post. and even though i don’t think that SAHM are “a fruitless sacrifice, a waste of feminine intelligence and abilities”, I think we just view things differently! I think God has, instead, BLESSED you with the abilities to stay home b/c of your gifts and talents. and for that, I think it’s AWESOME!!!
much love, Sarah Mae..
Julia
Sarah, I want to comment on "To many in my generation, my decision to stay at home is a fruitless sacrifice, a waste of feminine intelligence and abilities. " I stayed home with my kids, and didn't have to work. If fulfilled me. I loved it. Yes, there were days, but well worth it.
Now we are empty nesters, husband can't find a job, and I am working. I HATE it. I totally believe that I should be home and my man should work. (he is trying, but it has been hard) I see God's design so much clearer having struggled through this.
Some women love working…I am NOT one of them. And by work, I mean, corporate…not working at home. I miss being home, I miss planning and cooking meals, I miss taking care of the laundry, I miss just making the home a pleasant atmosphere for my man to come home to. Now when I come home, I am all cranky and tired.
Please pray for me. I really want to quit and stay home, but feel if I do I will let my man down.
If a woman (me) has a true desire to be a "homemaker"–why won't God allow us to get there? This has to be my darkest hour, and the hardest year I've ever gone through.
It does give me empathy for all those precious women who must work, and yes, even those that want to. It isn't easy. It's tough out there. I hope I haven't offended anyone, it is not my intention. It is just how I am feeling right now.
Mari – I'm praying for your family right now…praying for contentment in this season of life for you and your husband, for you to find joy where you're at and to be used where you're at for the glory of God, for work for your husband, and for unwavering faith and trust in where God has you – He knows your heart.
"I give up my own desires and sacrifice my gifts and talents…"
Really? Because I desire to be home. And I don't think my gifts and talents could be used in any more profitable way.
Beautifully put…thankyou so much for the encouragement you are giving to so many young mothers and grandmothers like me.
Luv, luv this post:) Will be praying for you in your life's journey!!
I recently finished Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. It was amazing. I underlined more in that book than any other book I have ever read. She has such a graceful way of being a Mom. The quote you pulled was probably how she was feeling early on in her motherhood journey.
and when you really take a look at it….it’s not a sacrifice at all….this is who I am and what He has created me for….so be it! Perfect…thank you!!!
Wow that's beautiful and I've never thought of it that way either! Thank you for posting this I needed to read this today!
Seasons of a Mother’s Heart is one of my favorite books. I get something new out of it everytime I pick it up. Those quotes were very encouraging today. I sometimes forget that my strength to get through the day – the diapers, the homeschool tasks and the laundry comes from HIM and my quiet moments of surrender.
This is just so beautiful i feel like i am having to make excuses for why im a stay at home mom. Thank you for this x
I think being a stay at home mom is more of a privileged life than a sacrificial one!