Today we acknowledge the role of mom as valuable kingdom work. Whether you have in the past or are now being "Mom" to your child(ren), your unseen sacrifices and struggles are seen and valued by the Lord. We recognize that you, as a mom, may feel undervalued, misunderstood and overlooked by a culture that applauds outward and visible contributions to society. So much of your work as a mother is hidden away in the unseen moments of grace with your children. As you bend up to pick up the thousandth crayon, or empathetically listen to your teen's woes you receive no applause. When you respond patiently toward a tantrum throwing toddler, or graciously shepherd feuding siblings no one says, "Way to keep your cool!" You sacrifice and struggle because of love, and loving others is kingdom work.
Know that your motherhood is valued by this church. You don't need to be involved in a million ministry commitments when you have your hands full nurturing several souls. We encourage you to give the small, the ordinary, and the mundane things to God and watch him bless and multiply your efforts. Thank you for sowing the seeds of God's love in the hearts and minds of the young in our midst. As a church developing a culture of discipleship we call upon a group of older women to rise up -- women who are available and willing to take a younger mom under their wing. A mentor is not someone who has all the answers or is a spiritual giant, but a friend -- someone who is willing to listen and love. Because really, all a tired mom needs to keep going is a listening ear, a good cry, and maybe some banana bread.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed.
Proverbs 31:26-28a (NKJV)