Be Encouraged

 

I love Dutch Bros.Coffee. It's not even the actual coffee I love as much as the convenience, the (incredibly caffeinated) people who work there and the heart behind the business. And lately, I love their lids. This morning the lid on my Annihilator was imprinted with this message:

 

 

At first I laughed. A laugh from somewhere inside of me that said, "As if I'm changing the world today." And then somewhere in my mind, my tired from the ho-hum of everyday mothering mind, I remembered that when I wake up each morning that is exactly what I'm doing. I'm getting up early, staying up late and changing the world. And so is every other mommy out there. This task before us isn't something we can phone in. It takes heart, grit, love and a whole lot of dedication to raise these little people. And with every tear that falls (from their eyes and ours some days) we are changing the world. Because someday very soon these boys and girls are going to be men and women and they will be as kind and loving and dedicated as the example they see in the mothers who raised them. So be encouraged and know ...

 

"They shall not labor in vain, nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord - they and their descendants with them."  Isaiah 65:23

 

 ... And  this morning when you wake up ...

 

Sit down and eat breakfast with your kids. As you clean up together tell them what you felt the moment you first saw their little face. Give them a hug and a kiss and remind them how God has gifted them with an incredible intellect and a loving heart. Encourage them to use their gifts by sitting together and writing a letter to their Grandma or their friend or their dad. And then send them to play. And watch them as they do what they do. And silently pray over them. And change the world.

 

And when lunch arrives, and their bellies - and voices - grow demanding, remind them that patience is a beautiful fruit of the spirit. And encourage them to say please and thank you. And use it in return when they clear their plate and wash their hands. And as they grow tired and cuddle in bed for a nap or lay on the couch to watch cartoons, sit down yourself. Rest your tired feet and as you do say a  prayer of thanksgiving for the child God created and gave to you because he knew you would be the perfect mother to bring them up to change the world.

 

When the 5 o'clock hour hits, and everyone is grumpy and tired and hungry (again), turn on some music. Turn it up and dance around the house. And show your children that mouths filled with laughter and tongues with shouts of joy are pleasing to the Lord and to those around them. Show them that even when they are tired or hungry, they can choose joy. And watch as they are filled with The Spirit that can change the world.

 

And when the day is done and bedtime finally arrives, stay patient long enough to cuddle up next to them on their little beds. Rub their backs. Talk about the joys you shared today. Tell them that of all the jobs you've ever had, being their mom is your favorite. And make sure they know your love for them is great, but the love their heavenly Father has for them is even greater. And as you tuck them in, pray they will find rest so they can wake up in the morning and continue growing into people who will change the world around them.

 

And because you're a mom, and your day is not done dig deep and pray for the energy to load the dishwasher, and fold a load of laundry, and pick up the house, and kiss the husband, and pet the dog. And when your head finally hits the pillow, know beyond a shadow of a doubt that your dedication to the simple things today will mean a changed world tomorrow.