November 29, 2007 6:41 AM
Elisabeth Elliot on drudgery
We all have those days when our focus on the work we do as moms tears at the edges of our nerves. There is a way to transform the work we do into an offering to the Lord - just as Mary poured out all she had when she broke the alabaster jar to anoint Jesus with oil.
Elisabeth Elliot puts it in persepective:
Drudgery
"I must admit I feel a lot of pressure with two children under two years of age. I am committed to do it until they are in school, however, and feel it is God's will. At times like this--when I wonder if I will even be able to finish this letter with both of them screaming for something--or when I miss going to lunch or getting dressed up, everyday life seems a drudgery. I worked hard to get through college--to be a scrubwoman, ha!"
I understand this mother's cry. So does the Lord. He has given us this word: "No temptation has come your way that is too hard for flesh and blood to bear. But God can be trusted not to allow you to suffer any temptation beyond your powers of endurance. He will see to it that every temptation has a way out, so that it will never be impossible for you to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:13, PHILLIPS).
"A way out," I can hear her say, "What mother has a way out?"
The New English Bible translation throws light on this: "a way out, by enabling you to sustain it." Think, too, of Jesus' words, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:29 AV). He is willing to bear our burdens with us, if only we will come to Him and share the yoke, His yoke.
I saw this principle in operation when I visited the Dohnavur Fellowship in India. There, day after day, year in and year out, Indian women (most of them single) care for little children, handicapped children, infirm adults, old folks. They don't go anywhere. They have none of our usual forms of amusement and diversion. They work with extremely primitive equipment--there is no running water, for example, no stoves but wood-burning ones, no washing machines. In one of the buildings I saw this text: "There they dwelt with the King for His work." That's the secret. They do it for Him. They ask for and receive His grace to do it. I saw the joy in their lovely faces.
As always, I'd like to encourage you to include Elisabeth Elliot in your morning reading. She gives you a lot to think about during the day. Subscribe to her daily devotions here.
See also: What about Mommy Time
Posted in Inspiration | Permalink
Comments
Thank you for posting this, this morning Barbara. I *really* needed it this morning. Last night I lost it emotionally over the kids toys las. I cried out to the Lord about it though.
On a side note, how do you control your children's toys? Mine do not have many, but it still gets out of control.
Could you write something about that? Thanks. :)
Posted by: Mommy C. | November 29, 2007 8:20 AM
That hits home.
DH was telling how he impressed his boss yesterday, and I had to snark back that I impress *no one*, ever, as I live my life out as a mama of three in near isolation.
For someone who enjoys 'adult pursuits' as much as me, being hidden away feels like drudgery indeed.
Thanks for the uplifting words!
Posted by: Stretch Mark Mama | November 29, 2007 12:38 PM
UGH. Again, I also needed that post. We don't have it so bad now do we? I'll stop complaining.
Shannon
Abigail used a real fork today! Yeah. Porter....he's a dude! But...he did manage to worm his way around the gate!
Posted by: Shannon Best | November 29, 2007 4:00 PM
