On Mothering

This is my opinion.

Motherhood is devalued in our culture. It isn't enough to be a wife and mother; we have to qualify ourselves as "working mothers" or "just a mother." Of my friends and acquaintances who have children, only a very, very small percentage of them are not working outside the home.

I would like to talk about working outside the home, but this is one of THOSE topics that I breathe out trepidatiously, knowing my readers may be offended. For a very good look at the subject, I defer to Kelly, whose blog sums up motherhood and the Proverbs wife very well. She is entrepreneurial, and yet has what I perceive as a very godly understanding of her role as a mother.

My role is first as a wife and then as a mother. I do not have to be the provider. That is not a job that God has given to me (and I'm so thankful!). My husband is the provider for our family. And yet, God has given me skills and abilities that I can use to benefit my family and my society. I will continue to invest myself in others' wellness, but with a keen eye that my priorities are still God first, family second.

Motherhood is vital. It is not just laundry and dishes and occupying children throughout the day. It is spiritual warfare. Here is Carolyn McCulley (Radical Womanhood) on the subject:

"You are engaged in spiritual warfare, battling against beliefs and philosophies that slander God's name and tarnish His gifts to us. You are standing against those who believe heinous lies, like the most merciful thing that a large family does to one of its infant members is to kill it." By giving life and nurturing life, you are reflecting the life-giving characteristics of our holy God! Made in His image, you are reflecting Him when you care for the lives He has created."

Oh, may I have eyes for eternity! May I be grateful and joyful for the responsibility and privilege I have! May I be content to do my humble work. May I know Jesus more and make Him known.