Real Life Ministry
Diaper changing, bottle washing, and midnight feedings did not feel like world-changing ministry opportunities. I’m not doing enough to lead others to Christ I often thought. The guilt was constant. As young mother I often felt as if I wasn’t a part of the Great Commission. Is this real life ministry? How could I change the world when I struggled to change diapers?
It’s Okay
But a few older wiser mothers let me know it’s okay, the hand that rocks the cradle has an extremely vital role in the Great Commission. Other ministry opportunities would come later, and they did (websites, blogging, writing, speaking, teaching). But at that moment in time my calling was at home, with my family, raising up the next generation in the Lord.
Mid-Life Struggles
30 years later I found myself with similar feelings. My kids grew up and went to college and my mother became very ill. Along came two Covid weddings, the death of my mother and my father-in-law, caring for my mother-in-law and my new grand babies, and grocery shopping for three households.
It’s Not Okay!
I’m not doing enough to lead others to Christ I often think. Maybe I can squeeze in a small group on Wednesday night after I take care of my mother. Or maybe I can lead a children’s group on Thursday night after I help my mother-in-law go grocery shopping. Perhaps I could do a Sunday School group on the weekends we aren’t out of town helping our son finish his house.
But the few things I did volunteer to do were often put on the back burner when a dear family member needed help. I felt I wasn’t doing enough. I felt I wasn’t enough.
It’s Okay: Real Life Ministry
When my sweet mother needed more care, my sisters and other family members all rallied around her. I let go of all outside commitments and cared for her. Weekly prayer groups, Bible study meetings were a thing of the past. Changing soiled clothes, washing dishes, and meal time feedings did not seem like world-changing ministry. But God has shown me It’s Okay, these activities are life-changing ministries.They matter deeply.
God says, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:35-40. These acts of love and care are a beautiful thing to our Father.
At this moment in time my calling is at home, with my family, raising up the next generation (grand babies!) in the Lord, and helping the older generation meet the Lord. This is real life ministry and it is okay.
Amen.
Copyright 2023. All rights reserved,
By Mary Kane
Resources:
Beth Moore: Motherhood
Christian Caregiver Support
Holiday Tips for Caregivers
