This one's for you, Mama.
For you when weariness wakes up with you - when sleep is fleeting, eyes are heavy, no coffee strong enough.
For you when tantrums rage and you cry hidden tears of frustration and exhaustion.
For you when you read the news headlines and look at your precious ones and fear lurks at the edges.
For you when children stretch tall and hormones rage and doors slam and every emotion possible somehow shares the same ten minutes.
For you when no one can find their shoes.
Matthew 19:13-15 Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When He had placed His hands on them, He went on from there.
Familiar verses... but linger a moment with me, Mama.
Some days our work feels small, unimportant, unworthy of notice. That's how the disciples saw these mothers with their little ones in tow - easily passed over, not worth the time of their busy, important Rabbi. Just some moms and their crying, coughing, wiggling kids.
That's not how Jesus sees them - that's not how He sees you.
Today as you wipe up spilled milk, find the lost permission slip, drop off a forgotten lunch, do yet another load of laundry... He sees you. He welcomes you, and He welcomes the little ones you love (even if they aren't so little any more).
The very best work you will do today in the lives of your children? Carry them to the Savior. You are seen, you are welcomed, you are loved. He knows the weariness in your eyes. He knows the fears and concerns that haunt your heart. You might feel small and unworthy of notice - but not to Him.
So come in your frustration, in your fatigue, in your anger, in your confusion. Come in your mess. What better balm to a mama's soul than to know the Savior sees her and intercedes for her children.
What a friend we have in Jesus.