Experiencing Joy in the Ministry of Motherhood. . .

"This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote
itself to making you happy." - George Bernard Shaw

Do you view your role as a Mother to be a “mighty one?” I do. I believe with all my heart that Motherhood is a Ministry, and that we have been called and equipped by God to raise up the next generation. I must admit, I didn’t always feel this way.

About a year and a half ago, I was really struggling with what I felt was a calling to homeschool my two beautiful girls. I knew that I loved being a mother, and that the more I thought about homeschooling, the more I fell in love with the idea, but I wondered if it was enough. I had just gotten done reading The Purpose Driven Life and I was trying to find what it was that I was uniquely shaped to do. In my mind, I somehow assumed the only way I could truly be used by God was within the church, so I looked into Youth Ministry. I found some great programs and it all sounded wonderful, but it truly was not where my heart was . . . My heart was with my family and with homeschooling.

I continued this internal struggle until last April when I attended a Walk to Emmaus retreat with my church. I didn’t know what to expect from the retreat, but I went into the weekend prayerfully, asking God to clearly show me what He wanted for my life. Why do I continue to be surprised when He answers above and beyond my expectations?!? Our God is so good! Imagine my shock when . . .

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