Mary’s Motherhood

My life is currently one gigantic ball of stress. 

(Not that I’m being dramatic or anything.)

There are plates I am spinning that I didn’t even know existed. I’m sleeping less and less because I’m making mental To Do lists at 3:46am every morning and I’m drinking more coffee than I ever have. I’m breaking down and eating my feelings about once every fourteen days and last night they tasted like a buttery grilled cheese sandwich on sprouted bread at the kitchen table with Matt at 9pm after we got in from church and got the kids to bed. BLESS IT. 

It won’t be like this forever, but for this super crazy season, I feel like I’m struggling to keep one nostril above water some days. My biggest solace, my hugest sense of security and calm and assurance and encouragement is coming from my morning study and prayer time. I AM HERE TO MOST ASSUREDLY TELL YOU- there’s no way I could ever survive this stressful summer without having my coffee with Him every morning.  

I’m beginning the book of Luke, and I so much love the way he wrote his book. Consecutive order FOR THE WIN. Big shout out to Theophilus for being the initial recipient of this letter because I AM SO GLAD LUKE WROTE IT TO YOU. (So I could read it one day, too. ::wink::) 

“And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His Mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed- and a sword will pierce even your own soul- to the end that the thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” -Simeon to Mary when she and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple to be presented to the Lord. Luke 2:34-35

Ok, so here’s the deal: I always think of Mary as completing her ‘job requirement’ at the Jesus’ birth. She has the baby and then it’s like mentally BOOM! Jesus is 30 and beginning his ministry. BUT IT WAS SO NOT THAT WAY. 

Mary’s job was only beginning when she laid Him in that manger. She walked the entire road of motherhood with Jesus. Crawling, walking, spoon feeding, potty training, splinters from Joseph’s workshop. Sharing, bedtimes, breakfasts, games and jokes and favorite meals. Songs and holidays with relatives. Chores. Grocery shopping. Outgrowing clothes at break neck speed. New sandals. Skinned knees. Sunburns. Mary was there, SHE WAS HIS MOTHER, through it all. Just like me. 

Whoa. She washed never ending dishes, too. 

I’m raising my kids to learn and grow and love Christ as they develop personal relationships with Him. I’m training disciples. She was raising a sacrifice. My goal is to point my kids to Heaven. She was watching Him walk the road to the cross. Unreal. I can’t even imagine raising my baby while knowing what she knew. 

Simeon’s charge to her really hit me hard this morning. So whatever plates I’m going to try to keep spinning today, my job as a mother is what’s most important. And Mary showed me that. And for whatever reason, maybe it’s the stress- I found so much comfort there. 

Thanks for stopping by! ~ Katie. 

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