How many jobs do you have?

For those of you who may be moms, do you ever feel like you working a never-ending shift at a local resteraunt?

"I want breakfast"
"I am thirsty. I want milk"
"I need a spoon!"
"I dropped my napkin!"
"What's for dinner?
"I don't like this!"
"Can we have a snack?"

Or maybe a housekeeper at the local hotel . . . .

-laundry, laundry, laundry, putting away the laundry, then more laundry
-Clorox wipes glued to your side . . .
-Windex glued to your other side (all those fingerprints)

Or maybe a general in the army commanding the troops . . .

"Make your bed!"
"Pick up your room!"
"Brush your teeth!"
"Leave your brother alone!"
"Leave your sister alone!"
"Don't touch!"

Or the psychologist . . .

"Now why are you feeling this way?"
"Is there something you need to talk about?"
"What is bothering you?"

And of course the teacher . . .

"Where does milk come from?"
-cows
"Days of the week are Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Donut Day!!!!"
-well actually it's Saturday
"Can you show me how to write 'Grandma'?"
-yes, sure honey!
"Mommy, what is the Trinity?"
-well, that's a good one for daddy!!!!

Well congratulations moms! We have the ability to work five jobs at one time! And some of you may work outside the home, as well! I haven't even mentioned the "job" of wife! No wonder why we are exhausted at the end of the day!

And you know what? It's OK to be exhausted at the end of the day! It's OK to be frustrated with not seeing the fruits of our labors. God understands our exhaustion and weaknesses, which should be a great source of comfort. Hebrews 4:15-16 says, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find the grace to help in time of need."

The role of wife and mother is a high calling. In the chaos of day to day, I often tell myself, "I am working for the Lord. God is my employer." I talk with my "boss" throughout the day, asking for advice and instruction, but I still fail miserably! I am not sure I'll ever make "employee of the year". Thankfully, I can never be fired. I have a merciful "boss", who lets me make my mistakes and allows me to learn from them. I can turn to Him, knowing that without His grace, this job of mother will not work.

So, tomorrow when you wake up, exhausted already, to start working your "five" jobs, remember to report to your "boss" first. And check in with Him throughout the day. The job will never be easy. We may not feel rested for years to come. We may not see the fruits of our labors for years to come. But as Christians, we have already received the greatest reward in our Savior! As mothers, we can serve Him in serving our children!