In Other Words: Still just an ordinary mama

This truth gives me hope. We frequently see images of the "Christian Celebrities" who have been gifted with amazing abilities as speakers, teachers, musicians, authors . . . . and then there are the rest of us. I celebrate the gifts of those who have been blessed with talents that bring God's grace to the hearts of "ordinary Christians." But I've also wondered why some of us have those opportunities, while most of us walk through life in the shadows, quietly doing what God has put before us to do. What makes the difference? But, really, there is no difference.

I remember days when my older children were small and I found myself feeling worthless, as if my daily tasks were making no difference in the world. In the midst of hearing sermons preached about the amazing experiences of those who were called to the mission field, listening to eloquent speakers and teachers at seminars and conferences, and reading the words of brilliant writers . . . . how could I contribute anything? After all, most of my days were taken up with changing diapers, cuddling and reading with toddlers, helping with homework, losing sleep watching over the bed of a feverish child, driving one, two, three, four of them to music lessons, sports practices and games, running the PTA and Friends of the Library . . . . absolutely nothing compared to all of the "famous" voices and faces all around me.

But I've never been called to the mission field in a foreign country. I've never been able to contribute any musical talents to our local congregation. I've not yet written a book that has made me famous. I have done a bit of public speaking and teaching, but certainly nothing that would qualify me for "celebrity" status. And so for several years I felt as if I had nothing to offer. But here I am, now. Still not famous, still just an ordinary mama, making my way through every day. Still helping with homework, attending soccer practice and games, rushing my daughter to the ER to have the gash over her eyebrow stitched up (and still losing sleep watching over her all night long while she slept soundly beside me), still trying to figure out how to help a 9 year old understand multiplication and a teach a 7 year old how to read "Green Eggs and Ham." I still find myself wondering what it all means.

Isn't there SOMETHING that I can do that will make a difference in the world? But then I remember, as God's gentle voice reminds me that He DID bless us with the opportunity to travel to China, twice, to bring our daughters home. He has honored this mother's prayers for her children, as they have grown-up and they are still alive  ;o) and they are all successful in their own lives. No, not all my prayers were answered. My marriage of 25 years was not healed; the brokenness of that tragedy will remain to my last days of life on this earth. No, not all of my children understand (even after almost 15 years), and no, I have never been able to give back to my church and community any of the more "visible" gifts.

But I remain hopeful that God's Word is true . . . . that if I just offer Him all that I am and all that I have (even if it isn't very much!), that He is pleased and will use my life to bring glory to Himself. Really . . . . what more can I ask for? And if that is all that ever comes of my life, then that is enough.

Please visit Jennifer at "Scraps and Snippets" to read her thoughts on this quote and you will also find links to the other IOW participants for this week. Share your thoughts on your blog and leave your link there so we can come and visit you. And remember . . . . if YOU are just an ordinary mama, it's OK!  ;o) God is using you in ways you may never know. 

Comments

[Janette@Janette's Sage]

Wow...this was my husband and my conversation in the car yesterday, while I cried!!! I am in a season of isolation, not that I want to be, nor that I put myself here, but somehow here is where I am. And I am not understanding, even though I am still raising two children I keep thinking "Why am I do not doing more for the Lord." Isn't there something more I can do?
I thought about the pioneer women of years back and how few of them did all the "wonderful" thing we see others doing....they were faithful to the day to day activities of their families.
This isn't where I thought I would be at age 49, but it is what it is and unless God opens some doors...well like Moses and 40 years in the wilderness, I need to learn what I need to know in this season.
Thanks for the post...will go over and read on "Scraps and Snippets"
Janette

[Karen Gillett]

How wonderfully put. We think too much I guess, we think it should be this way, we think He could only use certain people...we think, we think, we think. What we need to do is trust and allow God to do what He can with what He knows we have to offer.

[Tami Boesiger]

Nina, I think you are short-sighted. Your contributions to your children go WAY beyond their personal lives to the lives of their children and anyone they come in contact with. One doesn't need to be famous to have made a difference. Your words here make me think you know it in your head, but don't feel it in your heart. I have struggled as well with feelings of insignificance, but when we let them simmer, Satan smiles as his trick holds us down. We don't have to be "somebody" to be important. The last shall be first and the first shall be last, remember?

Pray with me for God to guide your every day and reveal to you how He uniquely uses YOU.

Love you, friend,
Tami

[Miriam Pauline]

This is wonderful!
But I remain hopeful that God's Word is true . . . . that if I just offer Him all that I am and all that I have (even if it isn't very much!), that He is pleased and will use my life to bring glory to Himself.
That is really important--that we offer the little we have and he is pleased and brings glory to himself.

BUT, never forget, my friend, that you are already doing that. You are doing that as you invest the time in teaching a 7 year old to read and practicing multiplication with a 9 year old. THEY are you current mission field--and you are the MOST important link in their life at this time to see God in action. God will (and is already) honouring that.

Thank you for sharing your heart today.

[Claudia]

God's word is true! He calls each of us in different ways. Your obedience, even though it does not seem extraordinary, is what he asks of you. And it appears that is what you have given him. You and your children are truly blessed.

[Cindy]

This touched me.

But I remain hopeful that God's Word is true . . . . that if I just offer Him all that I am and all that I have (even if it isn't very much!), that He is pleased and will use my life to bring glory to Himself. Really . . . . what more can I ask for? And if that is all that ever comes of my life, then that is enough.

I think and believe the same. There are days that this thought provides the thread to hang onto. I also think of the penny analogy. If one takes a penny and doubles the penny one day to two then takes the two and doubles by a month's end that person will have $1000 dollars. I want to do that with God's Word and faith...