Today was a long day. At this point though, I’m feeling fairly accomplished…all three kids brushed their teeth at least once, #1 made it to school on time, #2 didn’t pee in public today, and #3 didn’t flush anything down the toilet. I’m mentally high fiving myself. But what did I really accomplish? I made breakfast, lunch, and dinner, vacuumed three times, responded to the words “I’M DONE!” more times than I can count, and threw a pile of clean laundry at the foot of my bed. I’m not exactly moving mountains around here.
I happen to be married to someone who does move mountains. He travels all over sharing his testimony and encouraging others to chase after Jesus. I know the Bible says not to compare one to another, but that is no easy task when you share a life with a man like him. He gets emails saying his music has changed people’s lives and even kept some from committing suicide…and although I have managed to keep our children alive, it doesn’t exactly compare.
Sometimes I’m jealous of my husband because I want to be the one who is used by God. But how do I do that from the confines of my home? Over the years God has gently reminded me of the relationships that I am a part of. As I read the bible, I see that relationships are everything. They are evangelism, they are discipleship, they are life changing, and the entirety of what we believe. That although I don’t think I have much to offer, I have bread to break, an ear to lend, and a 4 year old that will make you die laughing.
Five years ago I was living in a new state and the few people I knew all had daughters. My son was three at the time, and all boy! Needless to say, I spent a lot of time apologizing at the playground. Then something wonderful happened at a play date, I hit the mommy jackpot. I saw my son in a full on fistfight with another boy, and I knew I needed to befriend his mom ASAP. Someone who understood that a Happy Meal toy was worth fighting for. It was a match made in Mommy heaven. My new friend was wonderful, but at that point in her life she was an unbeliever, lonely, discouraged, and headed for divorce. Our time spent together was a short season, but God used our friendship to bring healing and hope to her, and she eventually gave her heart to Jesus.
Romans 12:6-8 talks about the different gifts that God has given his church. I used to wish for the gifts of prophesy, teaching, and leadership that others possessed more than my gifts of serving, encouraging, and kindness…and if I’m being totally honest, sometimes I still do. It’s easy to feel like what my husband does is so much more important than what I do, but God is showing me that when we are faithful to where he has placed us, he is faithful to use us. Even if you’re on diaper duty, like me, and your wardrobe is a rotating stack of yoga pants, you are no less valuable to God. It may take longer for you to see the fruits of your labor, but I promise when your babies profess their love for Jesus, and when your unsaved friends ask you for prayer, you will know God is in all things, and you are right where you belong.
