I’ll never forget a teary phone call made to a friend when I was a new mom of a newborn who basically never slept.
“What do you do when he’s crying all night and you don’t get to sleep?” I’m not exactly sure what I expected, but it was probably along the lines of either a load of sympathy or a plug-and-chug solution. I got neither.
“I consider it an opportunity to be made more like Christ,” was her answer.
Whoa! Didn’t see that one coming - but it was the right response!
There is a legitimate need for mothers to take time for self-care and replenishment, particularly by receiving from the LORD. But there can also be a tendency for this mother to just get good and cranky when I feel like I’m sacrificing too much or that I deserve a nice break from my more difficult motherhood responsibilities.
But I’ll tell you honestly: every single time I’ve brought this complaint before the LORD, His response is the same: I’m called to live a crucified life that puts the needs of others above my own (see Galatians 2:20 and Philippians 2:4). He doesn’t allow me to justify my selfishness but instead He promises that His grace is sufficient for me because His power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:19).
And yes, there are breaks and “me time” and refreshment too -- but I’m learning to see these as my blessings rather than my rights. And there’s a big difference in that.
Dear Jesus, help me embrace the sacrifice in the sacrificial calling of motherhood. Help me to daily plug in to the grace and power You freely offer in my weakest moments so that I can rise above my own crankiness and walk in Your victory. Make my heart more beautiful as I find joy in sacrificially loving my children as You love Yours. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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