For the Mothers - Too Busy?

by Cheryl S.
from Virtuous Daughters, March 2004~Volume 3, Number 12

Some encouragement for the dear mothers,

Even though I have never written to you before in this newsletter, I hoped to encourage you in this area. Time management…is this not something that all mothers struggle with at some point in their lives? When we stand before the throne of our heavenly Lord, will we have used our time wisely? Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” And Ephesians 5:15-17 says, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”

​A big topic that has been in our home lately is “Are you a ‘Martha’ or a ‘Mary’?” It all stemmed from a tape set that I recently purchased to help me with the #1 struggle I had been having over the last year….

I know the Lord brought this help to me at just the right time because I had been crying out to Him daily, “Lord, help me, I don’t know what to do!” You see, the “Mary” in me wanted to just sit back and cuddle the beautiful “gifts” He had given me, but my thoughts were always being interrupted by the “Martha” in me pointing out what I wasn’t getting done.

It all started with the birth of our fifth child. Suddenly, managing my time became an every day task. The first three weeks were almost like a daydream. My husband was off work and we all just spent the hours of our days enjoying the blessing of new life. My loving, serving husband was helping all around the house daily, allowing me to regain my strength. School was put on hold. It was a special time for all of us.

Then, my dear husband went back to work, school resumed, and I was finding more days than not with my husband home at 3 o’clock, me still in my pajamas, school still going, and nothing planned for dinner. What happened? I would ask myself. I never had this problem before! I felt too busy…yet my day only consisted of things within my own walls…nursing, changing diapers, feeding the kids, teaching…do you know what I mean? I tried various things to get us back into a routine, but it just didn’t happen—for a long time. Yet, all the while the Lord was molding character in me…patience, contentment with situations, a greater appreciation for my husband, balance, etc.

I also learned that there are seasons in life, once to be enjoyed, but never to return. I like to think of them as chapters in the book that we are writing. Yes, these chapters may, at times, be short ones, long ones, happy ones, or sad ones, but nevertheless, a new chapter will come.

I remember when our baby cried for several weeks, and at first nothing seemed to help him. I remember reminding myself over and over that it was only for a season; he would not cry forever. And a blessing that came from it was that I found that the only thing that would make him stop crying was when I sang the hymn “Be Thou My Vision” as I swayed him gently back and forth. And I actually chose that hymn to remind me to keep my eyes on my Father and the purpose He had for me. After we got through that period of weeks, whenever I would sing that hymn, he would get very still and content. It was so sweet. That is a memory that I will forever cherish. I am so grateful for that chapter in my life.

So dear mothers, whatever season you are in, be encouraged and blessed. The Lord has His purpose for it in your life. And if you look intently, you will perhaps see the beauty of it. If the next time you feel as though you accomplished nothing all day except nurture a sick child (or the like), just remember that you have not only written a chapter in the book of your life, but in the life of your child.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven.” And Hosea 10:12 says, “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till He come and rain righteousness upon you.”
Also remember, dear mothers, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.”—Jeremiah 17:7

​Many blessings to you sisters,
Cheryl