OK busy mums: it's time for a coffee break.
Put away what you're doing and take a breather.
You've made it to the end of another busy day. Yes, it was a great feat in organisation. Clothes were washed, children were delivered to activities, meals were made, floors were cleaned, bills were paid, shopping was done, work was completed and now the children are all back where they should be, and you didn't forget anyone... phew! Well done.
Sometimes you feel tired but you do what you do because you love them, and you'll do it again tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that.
Sometimes you run yourself ragged and yet, your efforts may have gone unnoticed. But that's OK too. You don't seem to mind because you're just glad they're happy.
You are doing a great job
You're juggling many things and yet it's working. Celebrate that. You are caring for your family and that's important.
"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew chapter 25, verse 40).
Sometimes though, things don't always go to plan. You know you're not perfect, nobody is, but you're giving it all you've got and that's all you can give. No one expects more than that.
What you do may seem insignificant to others. That's not for you to worry about. The Bible says that you are honoured:
"She watches over the affairs of her household... Honour her for all that her hands have done and let her works bring her praise at the city gate" (Proverbs chapter 31, verses 27-31).
You're looking after his little ones. You're loving those God has given to you. You are exercising the greatest power known to man: "The greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians chapter 13, verse 13).
You've given up your own desires for the needs of others and yes, you're probably going to have to do it all again tomorrow.
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark chapter 10, verse 45).
The world of your family would be a very different place if you weren't doing what you're doing – loving them. So keep doing it. They may or may not see your full worth, but remember you are precious in the eyes of God and He sees you. He knows.
"You are the God who sees me" (Genesis chapter 16, verse 13).
He loves those you care for
They too are his children and he knows he can trust you with them, that's why he gave them to you. He's also there to help you.
"He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young" (Isaiah chapter 40, verse 11).
He will not forget you, for just as you are giving of your life to serve others, he gave the ultimate price, his life, to serve you.
"I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands"
(Isaiah chapter 49, verses 15-16).
So now as you settle in for some sleep, although it be in short bursts for those of you with waking babies, you can close your eyes and, "Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders," (Deuteronomy chapter 33, verse 12).
Rebecca and her husband Tony have four children and live on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. Rebecca loves writing children stories, interest articles and teaching piano. She is grateful for a God who loves us.
Rebecca Moore's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/rebecca-moore.html