Rejoicing in Motherhood

When I see my children acting so incredibly happy, as they are in the picture above, it is easy for us all to have a good time and enjoy each other. Yesterday was not one of those days. Crying, whiny children, stressed out and irritated mother trying to get water for Daddy before he went to work while dealing with said whiny children, made this mother realize that the day had NOT started out right at all. What did I neglect? To start my day with the Lord. In this season of life, getting up at 5am is not always possible, but attempting to rise before the children and have a few minutes of quiet time is so important. Yes, there are mornings that start a bit more chaotic and I do not get a chance to read until the afternoon while the children nap. But I am realizing the importance of a  daily Quiet Time, thanks to Judith over at WholeHearted Home for her encouraging posts on this topic.


What does this have to do with rejoicing in motherhood? After my husband went to work, I told the children that Mommy needed quiet time for a few minutes and to please play quietly. They sat down on the couch and "read" their Bibles as well. I started praying and reading, and the following verse caught my attention. "Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy all ye that are upright in heart." Psalm 32:11. I remembered that 1 Thessalonians 5 had a verse which reads "Rejoice evermore.". I went to that passage and read, amongst other things, "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19. It all became very clear--we are to be rejoicing and giving thanks always and for everything! I know I wrote a similar post last year, but sometimes we all need a reminder--mostly myself! So while my children are not acting their best, I can rejoice, when they are whiny and clingy I can rejoice, when they are cheerfully helping Mommy I can rejoice, when they are throwing tantrums I can rejoice! Not just CAN rejoice, but we are commanded to rejoice continually! May the Lord help me with this part that my children may see the joy of the Lord in my life in every situation.

Did my day get easier after I read my Bible? No. But, I had a better outlook on the day, one that caused me to remember to rejoice and rely on the Lord. My child had an accident in his pants, turned the water on in the bathroom causing the sink to overflow all over the floor, same child also acted not-very-obedient when we took lunch to Daddy. A 2+ hour nap was welcomed for all of us! Today, I am apparently still learning this lesson as it is another trying day, but I know that I can rejoice in the Lord and He will be my strength.

Sharing with: WholeHearted Home , A Wise Woman Builds Her Home , Growing Home