Why Motherhood Means More Than Mothering

Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Psalm 31:27-28 NLT

Motherhood matters.

It’s not an earth-shattering thought or even a terribly original one.

Of course it matters.

We look upon the faces of our children (no matter how or when they were given to us) and know that to love, teach, nurture, inspire and stand with them … matters.

And so we begin.

Every day we get on the floor, kneel in a sandbox, stand on a sideline, or sit in a coffee shop and give them the very best of what matters.

But what happens when you’re exhausted, or lonely, or feel shriveled like a fall mum in May?

What sacrifices do you begin to make about what matters?

What time is given to distraction instead of conversation?

What actions are passed up for isolation?

What interests are replaced with apathy?

Suddenly motherhood is a burden instead of a blessing. We see the work of it, and want to crawl under a rock until the college diploma shows up in the mail.

Inspiration is gone. We’re a dry, empty soul that settles for enduring instead of thriving.

The trouble is too many of us do motherhood in a lop-sided fashion.

We give to the kids and do nothing for ourselves.

They flourish and we fizzle.

But the truth is motherhood means more than mothering.

It means more than just raising children.

It also means raising who we are, so we can be the best God intends.

It’s high time we commit to flourishing for ourselves. Honestly, our children will be better for it.

photo: Raye Wortel

For this Mother’s Day, I’ve created a special devotional eBook called Flourish Mama! Because Motherhood Matters to help you flourish as a mother AND a women.

Using the word FLOURISH as a guide, I’ve identified eight areas to help us grow and thrive in our call to motherhood. They are:

• Faith
• Leaning
• Optimism
• Unity
• Rest
• Imagination
• Simplicity and
• Hope

There are two sides to motherhood. The efforts we invest in mothering our children, and the woman who inspires those efforts – that’s you!

Let’s all take time to invest in our growth. Download the eBook today and enjoy the short devotionals. I would love to hear how they impacted you.

Oh … and happy Mother’s Day you beautiful, flourishing mama!