Being a mother is a job unlike any other. It is a job that is 24/7/365 and there are no sick days or vacation days. Now, over the years as children grow and mature, the role of mother changes. However, the responsibility of being a mom never ends.

As a mom myself, I will say that it is the most incredible, exhausting, rewarding, and frustrating job of my life. As a mom, there are so many things you will do that will go completely unnoticed and will very often be taken for granted. When our children are babies, if they cry in the night they want one person, mom, of course. When our toddlers wake up in the morning, they don’t really care how much you wanted to sleep in, they want mom. When our children are sick, we are the first ones they want, often during all hours of the night.

Being a mother is often a very thankless job. Kids don’t typically realize how much we sacrifice for them. For a season, moms often give up their own friendships and the ability to go and do what they want when they want, all to spend time with their family. When our children get older and start to make their own life decisions, they may push away from their mom. I know, because I was that kid. Suddenly your kids start to make life decisions that you, as a mom, don’t have control over.

Being a mom is not for the faint of heart. It is not for those who don’t understand the value of sacrifice. This world has too many children who have been abandoned or neglected by their mothers. The job of mom is a huge responsibility, and the work we as moms do is not in vain. The biggest mission field we have is in our own house. Our children learn about living out a Christian faith by watching how we live our lives. As the saying goes, “more is caught than taught.” Kids absorb everything around them and although we may be able to always present our best selves to others, kids get to see everything. That is a huge responsibility as a parent. Because of that, we must spend serious time praying for the grace to do a good job. We also must keep our eyes on the prize. I know that in the phase of parenting I am currently in, it is so easy to just get frustrated at the constant messes and at feeling like nothing really gets accomplished. However, even in those moments, we must remember that we are investing in the future. Ultimately we are working for an eternal payoff.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,  since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

So, as Mother’s day comes to an end once again, I want to encourage all you moms. Whether you had an amazing day of pampering or were practically forgotten about, know that your work is eternal. Pray every single day for your kids, regardless of if they are 5 or 50. You will always be their mother. Also don’t forget to encourage the moms around you. This motherhood thing is tough and we are all in this together.

Happy Mother’s Day!!!