But he said to him, “My lord knows that the children are frail and that the flocks and herds which are nursing are a care to me. And if they are driven hard one day, all the flocks will die. Genesis 33:13
They wanted us to share an experience with group – how we had seen God at work in this new church-planting world. We stood in front of a room of people who had given time and money to help us start a church, and I felt like I had nothing to offer. So, I told the truth.
“My kids are 6, 3, and 1 – so honestly, I don’t get to be a part of a lot of what the church is doing. I have had moments when I think, ‘What in the heck am I doing here?’ But one day, while wearing my Storyline t-shirt, I met a fellow mama in the grocery store who wanted to know if my church was a good family church. I was able to talk with her honestly. I knew then that what we are doing here matters.”
The line of sharers continued, most with far more moving stories than my own, and I continued to let my spirit sink because of it. After we wrapped things up, an older man walked up to me and put his hand on my shoulder. He’s one of those larger-than-life pastors that has obviously been shepherding people for years. He said, “Honey, don’t you worry about whether or not you’re doing enough. You are doing exactly what God wants you to be doing right now raising those babies. There’s nothing more important than that. So, we’ll set up and tear down the chairs for now. You can jump in and help us a little later.”
I nearly fell to pieces beneath the weight of his hand and his words, because I needed someone to say that my work mattered, too.
Friends, we need to say this more to newer mama’s. I hear it over and over again from the ones with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers at home: “I feel like I’m not doing enough at church, in the community, etc, but I don’t know how to do any more.”
Let me say to you now: The work you do in your home – it is enough. You are raising the next generation of our church, and that is a really big deal. God will let you know when it’s time and where to serve more. Don’t pressure yourself or let others pressure you into doing more than you can manage in this particular season!
And if no one is saying it to you, know that God sees you. He sees the value in your work!