If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23 NIV

Transitioning from a working mom to a stay-at-home mom has never been easy for me.  I tried it with all three of my children, only to revert back when it got too financially uncomfortable, too isolated or too repetitive.  The rich, young ruler in me would flare up sending me back to the workforce to be the financial savior, have friends, or to be self-fulfilled.

It was that word “self-fulfilled” that helped me understand that I was dismissing the immeasurable joy God had for me if I would surrender my purpose, place and use to Him.

As I sat wrestling with this ah-gain, the Savior whispered, “Follow Me.”  

“Aww Jesus, why you gotta go and say that?  You know that it is a simple statement, but a profound and difficult task for me.”  Internally, I whined.

Quietly the answer leapt off the page in John 10:27 in bold red letters, “Because my sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (NIV).

Another statement in bold red letters blinked in my mind, “Fisher of Men.”  

After 23 years of running away from my purpose in life, I submitted to my Jesus’ voice.  My heart sang Mary’s response, “I am the Lord’s servant.  May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Finally, I embraced my first, longest, and highest ministry assignment—Motherhood.

The woman who bore the Savior of the world inspired me.  Being a stay-at-home mom was no small feat.  In her humility and submission to God’s plan, she was the first human to understand that Jesus would be the Salvation of the world.  What an honor.

God is cleverly canceling out the sin of humanity point by point.  Darkness is always being overcome by light.  Through Eve’s disobedience sin was ushered into the world.  Through Mary’s obedience Jesus Christ, our Salvation was birthed to annihilate all sin.  Point… by… point.

Motherhood is a big deal to God.  It is God’s Plan A for ushering people to Christ.  As stay-at-home moms, we have a splendid opportunity to not only see our children grow, but to point them to our suffering Savior, the Christ.

It was Mary’s joy to play a part in God’s great plan.  It was Jesus’ joy to bear His cross and conquer sin and death.  As mommies, it is our joy to raise our babies to love and know Him who first loved us.

Spirit:  Pray to God and surrender your purpose, place and use to Him.

Mind:  Journal your questions and resonating Scriptures about your purpose, place and use.

Body:  Take a walk to quiet your soul and hear God speak.

Lord, as mommies, let our souls glorify You and our spirits rejoice in You.  Let us be reminded and encouraged of the high calling of Motherhood. Let us not despise the small.  Let us rejoice in whatever we do unto You that it may bring You glory.  Let us sing praises for the great sacrifice You made to reconcile us to You.  Thank You, we love You and praise Your Holy Name.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.