I found a website this morning called Manna for Moms. I can never be reminded enough of what the real, spiritual implications are of biblical mothering and today, when I woke up exhausted because Ellie has decided not to sleep very well as of late, I was feeling so in need of this reminder from the site:

“I’d like to share with you two verses that encourage me in my role as a mom.

The first is 1 Corinthians 15:58:

Therefore, my dear [sisters], stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Did you catch that? Our labor in the Lord-our mothering-is not in vain. It may look sometimes as if it’s in vain, but it’s not. God promises us that it’s not. Cling to that, mommy friend, when you’re exhausted or discouraged; when it seems like you’ve corrected the same misbehavior a thousand times, yet it still occurs; or when your prayers for your children seem to be going unanswered.

Our labor is not in vain.

The second is Matthew 25:40:

The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Jesus didn’t say, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, I appreciate it.” He said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did it for Me.”

If I really give each day to Him and serve my children each day for Him, I am not only going to feel more consistent energy and joy but the eternal implications are incredibly beautiful. How amazing that I can be serving the least of these right inside my home each day? It is humbling.