Motherhood involves a lot of bending down. Backbreaking, repetitive bending down. And so much of the time, in all the bending down, I can feel resentment building up.
There are diapers to change and children to bathe. There are toys to put away and spills to wipe up. There are laundry baskets to empty and dirty socks to pick up. There are shoes that need to be put on and shoelaces that need to be untangled. There are dishes to put away and beds to make. There are crying children to pick up and scraped knees to bandage.
And I often become frustrated that it’s me who is always called to complete these tasks. That it’s me who is called to bend down. I wish for an extra hand, a little extra consideration, or simply a break from the monotony of running a household. Of caring for children. Of the same ol’ thing. Over and over.
But what if I stopped bending down in resentment and started bowing down in humility? What if I were humbled by the opportunity to care for my children rather than resentful towards all of the responsibilities involved?
What if with each dirty diaper I bent down to change, I was humbled by the presence of the healthy baby I prayed for?
What if with each bath I bent down to give, I was humbled by the ease at which I am afforded clean water for my family?
What if with each spill I bent down to wipe up, I was humbled by the fact that our home is overflowing?
What if with each toy that I bent down to pick up, I was humbled by the fact that my children have more than they need?
What if with each laundry basket I bent down to empty, I was humbled by the fact that our baskets and closets are bursting with clothing?
What if with each dirty sock I bent down to pick up, I was humbled by the pitter-patter of little feet that for seven years have echoed through the halls of my home?
What if with each shoe I bent down to put on, I was humbled by my children’s ability to walk, run, jump, and chase?
What if with each knotted shoelace that I bent down to untangle, I was humbled by my position to teach my children necessary skills?
What if each time I bent down to empty the dishwasher, I was humbled in knowing that my children have never known hunger, starvation?
What if with each bed that I bent down to make, I was humbled by the comfort and safety we have been afforded?
What if each time I picked up a crying child or bandaged an owie, I was humbled by my ability to soothe?
What if with each task I bent down to complete, I was humbled that I have been placed in a position to teach, raise, serve?
What if I was filled by the abundance instead of drained by the responsibility?
There are troubles. There are struggles. There is frustration. There is irritation. There is exhaustion.
And yet there is goodness.
I am resentful at times, when the tasks of motherhood overwhelm me. But I am also humbled by the goodness that God has filled my life with. I bend down, weary, and yet He always pulls me back up. And in effect, I bow down in humility, with gratitude.
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