EquippedMama

Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is clean,

but an abundant harvest is produced by strong oxen.

Proberbs 14:4 New English Translation (NET) NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Meet the two animals that try my patience like no others. Again and again and again. Since my family began our agricultural endeavors we have often joked that cows have sin natures, too. Our little brown cow has a knack for escaping no matter how many weekends my husband dedicates to fence mending. About a month ago we added a long-term guest to our little ranch. This 2,000 lb houseguest isn’t exactly what I envisioned as convenient. He is smelly, irritable, and constantly surrounded by a swarm of flies. Multiple times a week he gets into bellowing matches with the neighbor’s bull. We have definitely been counting down to the day when our friend’s stock trailer will re-appear and return our visitor to his ranch.

Why do we keep him if he is a bit of a chore? We look forward to a time next January, when we hope to welcome three new calves to our herd. The short-term strain of an extra four-footed friend at our farm will then be well worth it. Before our home was shared with cows, our pens were clean and our fences much less bludgeoned, however empty fields are of no benefit when simply looked at.

How often do we approach our job as mothers in the same way that I am tempted to view our bull? When we have little ones, it can be so easy to get caught up in how inconvenient they seem. They “keep us” from rest-filled nights, lengthy showers, leisure time, and clean houses. As they grow up we deal with increasingly difficult messes. Potty training. Belligerence. Nightmares. Friend problems. School. Disrespect. In these moments it is all too easy to lose sight of our high calling as mothers and get bogged down with the messiness of our children, rather than their value.

The Bible says that children are a gift from the Lord and a reward (Psalm 127:3-4). Much like the parable Jesus told of the stewards and the talents, (Matthew 25:14-30) however, we are given these precious little ones to steward them out of obedience to the Lord. Often we get angry when we realize that our children’s needs are interfering with our comfort and our “me time.” But where there are no messy handprints adorning our French doors, or spit-up splotches on our couch, or crayon marks on our walls, there are also no little hearts to train in the love of Jesus.

Unfortunately, having a heart change towards your children isn’t as easy as just deciding to. Every day you wake up with your plans, and your little one has his or hers- and all too often and they don’t match yours. From the first clash of plans the flesh clamors for control and self-satisfaction. In the pursuit of seeking God’s harvest for your children, you must be willing to take every thought captive, (2 Corinthians 10:5) and daily strive towards Spirit-led thoughts and words.

Practically, this works out in three simple applications- Start each day with gratitude and prayer. Thank the Lord for allowing you to steward these children. Thank him that your house is messy because it is filled with the little people he has given you to raise. Ask him for the strength to remember throughout the day that these children are a privilege and a blessing. Maybe even keep a gratitude journal in some handy place so you can be reminded often of the gift your children are.

Prioritize in light of eternity. In the book of Ephesians, Paul exhorts his audience to be careful how they live, stewarding their time and opportunities wisely, because of the evilness of their time (Ephesians 5:15-16). Similarly, allow your understanding of the temporary nature of life to shape your parenting- always pointing your children to Jesus. Be diligent in your housekeeping, meal preparation, and education of the children- but most highly prioritize their spiritual care. If you are too harried to teach them Bible verses, or to pray with them, or to listen to their questions about God, it is time for a priority check. Allow margins in your life to prioritize in light of eternity.

Finally, take time to enjoy your children! They may cause a few messes (or a lot) and they may demand a lot of your attention- but they are a precious gift. Make time to savor your job as a mother- relishing in the triumphs and the smiles that make this job the best. Praise the Lord that he has allowed your house to be filled with glitter and stuffed animals and legos and love.

Treasure these moments and, yielded to the power of the Spirit, steward your little ones for the sake of the Gospel.