As mom's, I am sure we have all had moments where we wonder if our work really matters. Do all the repetitive things we do daily count for something? Should we be doing more? Personally, I feel that the last few weeks have brought new responsibilities that I did not have before. Things such as being a teacher to my two children or helping my son practice karate. I now remember why I chose not to become a math teacher! After the fourth load of laundry for the day, it is sometimes easy to think our work is mundane. For those of us who have secondary jobs as well, we often fall into the routine of our busy days and fail to see the importance of the task at hand.

In preparing this devotion for Mother's Day, I came across this quote by Charles Spurgeon that expressed exactly what I wanted to say. He said, "You are as much serving God in looking after your own children, and training them up in God's fear, and minding the house, and making your household a church for God, as you would be if you had been called to lead an army to battle for the Lord of hosts."

Yes! What a difference it would make if we all realized the important calling God has given us as moms. We would never doubt the significance of our work again, whatever that may look like for each of us. We have been given the privilege of training our children up in the fear of the Lord and that is the primary foundation for life. Teaching our children how to talk with God through prayer is something they will need to practice their entire lives. We are raising disciples of the Almighty King. Our work counts more than we sometimes realize.

We are all in different stages of motherhood. For some, we still have young children in the home, and for others you may have adult children who are now parents themselves. Our responsibilities as moms may shift, but your role remains important. With young children it may require constant physical attention to their developmental needs, whereas with older children we may find ourselves being a counselor and mentor as our children learn to navigate life. Whatever our role may be, I encourage you to continue working with all your heart because while we serve our children, we are serving the Lord.

Suggested prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that I am loved and cherished by you. You see my heart, know my struggles, and hear my prayers. You are my strength and walk beside me each step of the way. Thank you for the important work you have given me. I pray that you would allow me to remember that everything I do; I am doing for you. In Jesus' name I pray, amen."

1.       Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV).