Overwhelmed! Exhausted! Angry!

Does that about sum it up? I think I know full well what you are feeling. Can I offer you some advice? Please know that while I share this to encourage you, it might as well be a 'note to self' also.

This calling, this role as wife and mother, is so utterly demanding of all you have. It can drain you to the dregs! From babies who don't sleep, to children who try even the most patient of saints, to husbands who are less than sacrificing, to housework that piles up every time you leave the room, all of this and more can really wear one down.

Can I tell you something? I really think this just might be how it is supposed to be. Don't we want to decrease so that He might increase? Don't we want 'less of me', more of Him? Isn't this what Jesus meant when He said, "we must deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him"?

Ladies, all that it costs you to fulfill this calling is more than worth it! He is worthy of all we have, all we could possibly give. Yes, it is so hard and literally demands all, but do we want our 'sacrifice' to cost us nothing?

This body that is so worn out and stretched in a million directions is just flesh. It will return to dust one day. Can you think of anything more worthy to spend your life, health and strength on? Any 'One' more worthy than Jesus?

We can do this ladies, we can, by His grace, which you know is sufficient. So easy to lose sight of, but you know that it is, sufficient. I wish I could tell you that all you need to do is get through these couple of years and then it is smooth sailing from there. This has not been my experience. Until we are perfectly reflecting His image back to Himwhich I suspect will not happen this side of eternity, there will always be something to give, something that needs molding. I suspect once the babies start sleeping there just might be something else He uses to mold us and make us into His image.

Can we just get to the point where we fall on our knees, bow before our Master and say like Mary, 'be it unto me according to Your word'? You know, He doesn't owe us anything, yet He promises our work will be rewarded! Imagine the day you see your Savior face to face and hear Him say, 'precious daughter, I saw all you gave, all you sacrificed and I am well pleased.' All we do is for Him really, right?

So, yes, you are overwhelmed, exhausted and downright angry. It is to be expected It is okay. Step back, take a breath and bow. Just bow before Him, pour out your heart. Let Him pick you back up, infused with His Spirit and go right back at it. Let your life be an offering poured out to Him.

Can I just say, I know that I know that I know it is hard! You are going to be okay! You can do this! I promise! I know your God and Father, He is faithful. While you feel you can't and you just might burst, know that He keeps you and His hand is right there holding you.

Is your place a small place?

Tend it with care!

He set you there.

Is your place a large place?

Guard it with care!

He set you there.

Whatever your place, it is

Not yours alone, but His.

He set you there.

John Oxenham