Encouragement to Mamas

I have been sooo exhausted lately, and the load so heavy. I want to write this down not to whine or complain, but so I remember and can in the future encourage others in this stage of life. Parenting is definitely a HUGE job, especially when there are sooo many needs. Ok, I do get I get up out of bed when there are noises or fingers poking me. Right away there are squabbles that need to be refereed, stinky diapers to change (perhaps even a bath that needs to happen due to leakage), bottoms and noses to wipe, things to pick up, tasks to be allocated, milk and food prepared, nonstop questions to answer...and all this before 7 am! My kids are 9, 8, 3, and 19 months....I homeschool too. So lately it has been clear that this is a 24/7 thing, and that I MUST abide in the Lord Jesus 24/7. He loves children, that's clear. The Bible is strangely silent about parenting aside from talking about children being a blessing and that they must be disciplined...and of course the parallels between parenting and God being our parent and us being His children.

The thing is, my head is often swirling and I would love a break occasionally. So if you know a mother of young children, have GRACE for her! Her brain doesn't work quite up-to-speed either. Pray for her and her children. Love her little ones. Offer to give her a break. Stop by with some flowers, or a meal. Come over with work gloves on to clean, organize, or get on the floor and listen to little stories. Young mothers need lots of encouragement! They are lonely. They need to hear how incredible their task is, and how valuable. They need to hear how amazing their little ones are. They would love commitment (i.e. "I'll be praying for you every day. I'll be over every Weds. morning from 9-1 to do whatever you'd like and would love to just spend time with your sweet little ones! I'll make you dinner every Weds. too!"---Ok, this is really something from my dreams!!!!)

Anyway, these are some of the things I have felt and learned that I want to remember. I KNOW these days are fleeting and I have so much to be thankful for, but I do struggle. And maybe someone will understand what I am talking about. I know the Father does.

"He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young."
Isaiah 40:11