Written by Sarah
There are so many days where I sink into bed, exhausted, wondering if I’ll ever check everything off my to-do list. The mountain of laundry, the pile of dishes, the perpetual chaos on the floor. Bills to be paid, coupons to clip, meals to plan. What have I been doing all day? I ask God.
That’s when He reminds me of the hours spent caring for our daughters – playing with them, preparing their meals and snacks, changing their clothes, giving them a bath. He reminds me of the moments I’ve stopped loading the dishwasher to listen to my husband, and the half-hour we spent going for a walk as a family. These thoughts fill me with peace, like an extension without penalty on an overdue assignment. You did what I asked, He replies.
One of the most beautiful things about becoming a mother was the feeling of fulfilment, of all the hours spent imagining a family of my own becoming reality. When I stop and think about what I’m doing, I can delight in being a wife and mother. I feel less behind, less anxious about whether I know how to manage my time. God has given me this wonderful family, and I am answering His call to spend my days caring for them. Sometimes this means loading the dishwasher. Sometimes it means stopping to (patiently) answer a question. More days than not, it means going to work. It means changing diapers, doing laundry, and all the other tasks that haunt me when I collapse into bed at night.
There’s a certain relief in living out my vocation, in knowing that I am checking off God’s to-do list for me, so to speak. Sure, I have a long way to go – there are plenty of times when I get irritated as I stop loading the dishwasher, and we don’t always find moments to spend time as a family. My girls watch TV in the morning while I shower. I know I’m not perfect, and I’m sure I won’t ever be. But His list is more important than any I could come up with for myself.
You were doing what I asked. As I finish my evening prayers and drift off to sleep, overwhelmed with His love and mercy, I can’t think of a better affirmation for my day. His will. My vocation. My peace, in His love.
Sarah writes here 2-3 times a month about body image issues, wardrobe tips, new feminism, and more!
