Real life
In our world of staged, ‘reality’ TV – I’m alarmed at the new trend in mothering to portray ourselves as … ‘real’. Let me get this straight, the the world is telling US to be real? Is there a role in life that faces reality (on a daily basis) more than mothering? We must be a culture that is so far removed from suffering that we’ve redefined the word ‘real’. Or, maybe ‘real’ is the wrong mantra, for the definition of ‘real’ is … “genuine” and “true”. I’m all for avoiding a facade - but elaborating on the sacrifices of mothering while leaving out the glories is … a mistake.
The opposite is also true – if we choose to live in a fairly tale world, projecting our life as problem-free, this is delusional and we may have a deep need to be better than those around us. Pretend is for children – that’s not real life either.
Is mothering hard? -uhhh -yea – Harder than one can envision or imagine. Is it full of wonder and joys? Yes, beyond our wildest dreams! Thus, the title of this blog – “but to Him who is able to do above and beyond what we ask of think – be the glory in our hearts, homes and to the next generation”. Ephesians 3:20-21
How did our grandmothers – or greatgrandmothers – deal with this? My Great Grandma – Lillie Carey (isn’t that a great name?) was left by her husband (grrrrr…) to raise their 6 children alone … during the Great Depression! She was an example of strength and honor and I loved her dearly. I remember hearing how she loved the Lord and how He cared for her every need. She worked like a Trojan and spoke like an angel. I have her china that she bought – one piece at a time – from the corner grocery throughout the years. An heirloom, indeed!
Since you’re reading this blog, you probably don’t have a problem with this. But the culture is moving this direction and it’s bound to influence us at some level.
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
BTW – I’m reading along with my little guys after making a course correction. It’s been good – reeeeal good!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Debi, you are so right!
I am grateful to be a mother. What an honor! It is also one of the most painful and difficult things that I have ever done and there are days that I want to resign…at least for a little while. Isn’t that true of every job?
I love being with mothers who treasure and nurture their children’s hearts and believe in their children’s dreams. The ones who see mothering as a divine partnership. They call me up to better ways of thinking, loving and doing. I love to share laughter and tears over the crazy situations and struggles that we face. But, I tire of listening to ‘laundry lists’ of survival stories that only highlight the difficulties with no joy in the journey.
Let’s ‘be real’! It isn’t easy, but it is worth the cost of laying down our lives to raise up a generation who know their God and who will make Him known. To God be the glory!
My reality yesterday: waking up to sweet little six year old hands rubbing my forehead, making chores happen, snuggling with my crew during devotions, making school happen, having a “book lunch” with my crew (going out to a cheap Mexican restaurant and devouring chips and salsa while we read our current book), good talk time with my fourteen year old, cleaning the house again, reading books to the baby, changing diapers that would make a lesser woman faint, helping my four year old write her name, laughing together during more book time with the crew before bed, and falling asleep with three extra kiddos my queen size bed (Doug was out of town). Yep, I could do without the diapers, the cleaning house and sometimes the stress of school – but the benefits and eternal purposes of my job far outweigh the inconvienences. Reality has everything to do with perspective – may we view our mothering from HIS reality, knowing that our mothering has Kingdom significance.
Mothering=God’s greatest (yet hardest) calling for my life! In today’s REAL world, mothering is most likely not #1 on most lists. Why is that? Well, I think everyone is seeking and desperately wanting recognition, a pat on the back and a “Good Job!” All of which, don’t typically happen in the daily life of mothering. However, if you choose to hang on and enjoy the ride you will find that and so much more. Keeping a kingdom perspective helps me to persevere when the days get tough. Mothering does matter, it does make a difference. Our Creator has entrusted us with this position. Mothering=discipleship, generational transfer and Kingdom building