Girlfriends in God Daily Devotional for Women

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Girlfriends in God - May 4, 2007

 

May 4, 2007

The High Calling of Motherhood

Ginger Plowman

 

I hope you are enjoying the Girlfriends in God daily devotions.  We (Mary, Sharon, and Gwen) would like to introduce you to some of our special friends.  From time-to-time, the Friday devotions will be written by one of our friends in ministry.  We call them our "Friday Friends."  So grab your Bible and a fresh cup of coffee and drink in the words from our "Friday Friend", Ginger Plowman. Ginger Plowman is the author of Don’t Make Me Count to Three and Heaven at Home and speaks at women’s events and parenting conferences across the country.

 

 

 

Today’s truth

“And let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

 

 

Friend to friend

If I have to answer one more insignificant question, wipe one more runny nose, or bandage one more boo-boo today, I’m going to pull my hair out…and maybe the hair of whoever is standing close by also!

 

“I’ve had it, kids! I’m going to soak in a hot bubble bath and I would strongly advise against any interruptions. Unless someone is dead or dying, do not knock on this door!”

 

As I ease down into my vanilla-scented bubbles, I pray, “God, is this really what I’m supposed to be doing? I mean, don’t you have something really important for me that requires a little more skill that tying shoes and cutting the crust off sandwiches?”

 

Let me back up and tell you about myself before I reached this point in my life. I wasn’t always bordering on the brink of insanity. It wasn’t too awfully long ago that I really had it all together. I successfully managed a booming and well-respected business, counseled others in organizational skills, and drove a pretty cool automobile that would NOT seat an entire soccer team, and me, comfortably. I enjoyed television shows that were not hosted by singing vegetables or a purple dinosaur. I never found the milk in the pantry and I never experienced the sheer panic of trying to remember whom I was calling before the voice at the other end said, “Hello?”

 

What happened? The stick turned blue. I have traded in Victoria’s Secret for the stretchy comfort of Hanes Her Way. I have boxed up my contemporary Christian music and now you’ll find me rockin’ to “Silly Songs with Larry.” Yep, it’s good-bye “20/20” and hello Elmo.

 

Sometimes I think that just getting dressed and making it through the day is all I ever accomplish. “Isn’t there something more that you wanted me to do today, Lord?” Finally, I hear that still, small voice. I may not have found a cure for cancer or conquered world hunger, but as I soak in my tub, God gently reminds me of what I did accomplish today. I had the privilege of listening to the hopes and dreams of a handsome young man who thinks I’m the greatest woman in the world. He stands just over three feet tall and only gets excited over Legos and pizza, but he is funny, charming, and never boring.

 

I also got to see a bright and precious smile illuminate the sweet face of my five-year-old daughter as I took time out to invade Barbie’s house with green aliens. As she squealed with delight, my heart melted.

 

I did have a few minutes of well-appreciated privacy, as I was able to sit on the potty without someone banging on the door. I actually jotted this rare event down in my journal under “miracles.” I got to read a couple of great classics. Out loud. Move over Dickens, we have moved on to the works of Dr. Seuss. I was also able to dust, organize, clean, counsel, and cook. I kissed away the boo-boos and washed away the tears. I praised, rebuked, encouraged, hugged, and tested my patience, all before noon.

 

Yes, my greatest accomplishment today was nurturing the two precious children that God has entrusted to my care.

 

Moms, we need to be reminded of the awesome responsibility that God has given us. When we respond to the high calling of motherhood with passion, the rewards are far greater than any we could ever gain outside of that calling.

 

Being a mom is more than being cook, chauffeur, maid, counselor, doctor, referee, and disciplinarian, etc. (just to name a few). It’s molding character, building confidence, nurturing, training, and guiding. There is no calling as consuming, challenging, and rewarding. And there is no calling as worthy of our efforts than the high calling of motherhood.

 

This devotion is taken from Ginger’s book; Don’t Make Me Count to Three! published with Shepherd Press.

 

 

Let’s Pray

Lord, remind me daily of the wonderful privilege it is to be a mother. Thank you for entrusting these children to my care. Help me to delight in my calling, enjoy my children, and glorify you as I raise them with great joy.

 

Now it’s Your Turn

Take a few minutes to write down your blessings as a mother. Consider the little things your children do that make you smile, memories of fun times together, and the privilege it is to be their caregiver. Thank God for each blessing on your list.

 

 

More from the Girlfriends

For some, Mother’s Day is filled with celebrations, sticky kisses, gifts or paper and love. For others, it is a time of sorrow. This year, they have lost a mother or a child. Perhaps they have longed for a child but their dream is still unrealized. I encourage you to have a wonderful Mother’s Day but be sensitive to those around you who are hurting. Give them a hug or a smile. Happy Mother’s Day! And check out Gwen’s CD, Through All Generations. It is a must for your family this year.

 

For more on this topic, see Gwen’s CD, Because and Sharon’s book, Being a Great Mom, Raising Great Kids. 

 

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