You are NEVER just a mom.

I’ve seen others do it.  I’ve done it myself.  That little half-shrug that goes with the standard response to the question, “So, what do you do?”

“I’m just a mom.”

A little lie wrapped up in a shrug and sealed with a sort of half smile.

But still a lie.

Because you have never been “just” a mom.

And neither have I.

My pediatrician and I were talking about it this morning, after he’d spent a few minutes listening to my kids pepper me with questions.  He asked, “How many decisions do you have to make every day?”

It feels like not a minute goes by without someone needing direction, needing permission, needing comfort….just NEEDING.

The doctor laughed and said that most CEO’s don’t manage nearly as much as the average mom does day to day.

Let’s face it:

I am the teacher whose kids don’t go home at 3:00, and they show up well before 7:00.

I am a nurse who has more than bandaids and Neosporin.  I have magic kisses that make things well.

I am an accountant and a stylist.  A home decorator and a chef.  Party planner and cupcake baker.

Counselor and disciplinarian.  Chauffeur and tour guide. Storyteller and heart hearer.

And, that’s just before noon most days.

But, moms, we are so much more.  Even than all of this.

You are not “just a mom.”  You are a mighty warrior fighting battles bigger than what socks your toddler wants to wear.  

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)

We’re fighting for more than getting our kids somewhere on time.  We are fighting a battle FOR all time.  For eternity.

That’s what’s at stake in the mighty work you do, Mom.  Eternity.

Your day to day may feel small, but its impact is lasting.  

Because when we “train up a child in the way he should go, when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

You are on the front lines of your kids’ lives.  And God placed you there.

Don’t think less of it….or of yourself.

Mothering is mighty work, and the maker of the universe has called you to it.

Recognize the enormity of the task before you then remember who enables you to do it.

FYI:  This is in no way a post only about moms who don’t work outside the home.  Those of you who do simply add that to all of this!  Oh, and I know that nurses do more than dole out bandaids and that teachers’ days are long and challenging.  Bless you all in the places God has put you!