Undeserved Motherhood

There was so much noise.

One kid was whining because we wouldn’t let him on the bed.

The other kid was having a meltdown and screaming because he couldn’t get to where he wanted to be.

My husband had laundry all over the bed he was attempting to fold and put away, while trying to reason with the kid who wanted to jump all over the bed.

All the while, the vacuum sounded like it was roaring in my ears as I did my best to maneuver around the child who was having the meltdown and simply didn’t want to be moved.

There was so much noise.

To top it all off, it was the first day of that time of month for me, so my patience was paper thin as my hormones did their best to dictate my actions. I was achy, tired, I felt overwhelmed and exasperated, and it was only 8:30 in the morning.

Some days it’s really hard being a Mom.

It can feel like the walls are shrinking around me and I’m confined to this tiny bubble called “Motherhood" and there’s no room to step out and just breathe. It can sometimes feel like I am constantly loud and always trying to speak over someone or something, which leaves my mouth dry, my voice tired and my energy reserves depleted.

The everyday to do list combined with kids that have a mind and demands of their own can weigh me down. It can feel suffocating and exhausting, and when I get stuck in the thick of it; I can lose my passion and I forget my joy. My focus is distracted and I lose sight of my purpose.

A verse that has breathed life into my sometimes weary soul when the days feel long and lonely and I'm not sure if I'm the best suited person for the little ones in my care is this:

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13 ESV

I’ve read this verse more times than I can count and my mind is always drawn to Jesus because this is exactly what He did for us.

But God has also whispered this truth to me to: This is what mothers do too. You daily lay down your life for your children because you love them.

You clean up all their messes.

You take care of them when they’re sick.

You wipe away their tears.

You give more than you take.

You play with them when there’s work to be done.

You carry them until your back and arms hurt.

You build them back up when they are let down.

You give them another snack.

You constantly remind them they are not alone.

You are there for them whenever they need you.

You put them first and you put yourself second — because that’s what you do when you truly love someone.

One Saturday night shortly after the chaotic morning I described above, I quietly walked into my kid’s room to pray over them. The sound of their little sighs as they moved in their beds filled the room, and as I felt each of their little heartbeats beneath my hand — my own heart swelled with joy and I was brought back to the moment when I first held them in my arms.

The perfect smell of newborn hair. 

Brushing my finger along their flawless face.

Their legs still curled up to their chest.

And all the noise faded.

As I stood in the middle of their room staring at them before I left — I was overcome by this blessed reminder: As a mother I have been entrusted by God with these precious hearts and He has given me permission to be an ambassador of these sweet souls. Being a mother was never meant to be easy, but rather refining and an absolute privilege. Yes, some days feel impossible and they can be filled with literal blood, sweat and tears, but Motherhood truly is an undeserved gift.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward - Psalm 127:3 ESV

We don’t deserve the messes.

We don’t deserve the endless arguments.

We don’t deserve the constant whining.

We don’t deserve the slamming doors.

We don’t deserve the dirtiness.

We don’t deserve the continual neediness.

We deserve the cross.

But Jesus didn’t make us go.

Instead, one of the incredible gifts He gave us is Motherhood.

And Motherhood means we get to:

Walk hand in hand with these little people.

Speak truth into their lives.

Be a voice of reason.

Be their safe space.

Teach them and cheer them on.

Have a front row seat to their lives.

Be there for all the birthdays, all the band-aids and all the broken bones.

We get to be the ones to watch them grow.

How humbling and what an absolute honour we have been given by God.

In response I don’t want to take for granted this undeserved gift.

Instead I want to acknowledge and show God how much I appreciate this blessing and take care of it to the best of my abilities, in His strength.

Instead, I want to view and experience the hectic moments as opportunity for new growth.

To grow in patience.

To grow in love.

To grow in selflessness.

To grow in peacefulness.

To grow into someone who looks more like Jesus.

Instead I want to prayerfully pursue and become the woman described in Proverbs 31:25-29 ESV:

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.

With much love - Krista

If this post encouraged you or blessed you in any way, please share it with a mom who could use this reminder too 🤍

---

A Free Gift for You!

A set of seven verse cards that you can print out and put somewhere visible in your home to encourage and build you up on those days where you need a boost!

The link will direct you to a Google Drive folder where you will have access to 7PNG image as well as a PDF document -- choose whichever format you prefer to print out these verses cards. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!

DOWNLOAD NOW

---

Don't want to miss a blog post? When you sign up for my monthly Newsletter you'll have my newest post sent directly to your inbox, along with other exclusive perks for simply being on my mailing list! Sign up here

Looking for more encouragement? I invite you to join me as I share encouraginng words of truth from the Lord on the Rest and Remain Podcast. You can listen on Apple or Spotify!