The calendar has told me it’s Mother’s Day again, and although I hold cynicism over a holiday created to sell more Hallmark cards, I am thankful for the opportunity to reflect on Motherhood.

In the midst of the trenches of raising littles: explaining that toys must be shared as giant tears fall from chubby cheeks, buckling car seats over squirmy frames, waking to voices crying out in the middle of the night, answering curious question upon curious question, and teaching the world to two little people who are both wild and beautiful, there is often more time spent complaining than reflecting. Some days it feels as though I am standing in a field of fluffy dandelions, catching a single seed as billions float in the wind out of grasp; every victory seems small and insignificant in the face of so many tantrums, toy-scattered floors, and despised dinner. Most evenings I question what was actually accomplished in the past 24-hours. But on occasion, rather than catching a seed, I watch the beauty of them all swirling madly around me, and I can see the hand of God as he works in my own heart and captures the hearts of two tiny people. The essence of motherhood is not held in swept floors, combed hair, school awards, nor beds made; the essence of motherhood lies, as with everything else, in the heart. In serving gladly, faithfully, and fully in one of the most honorable callings a woman is given. Motherhood is a gift, and every single moment offers us the opportunity to pour out grace, love, mercy, and wisdom on our children, illuminating the image of Christ in ways they can grasp. Motherhood often demands everything from us when we feel there is nothing to give, and it is there we too see the magnificent grace of God, as he picks up our weary hearts and says, “my grace is sufficient for you”.

So, fellow mothers, do not grow weary in doing good. Be encouraged by this collection of quotes, and go and love your littles to the glory of God.

What constitutes a “great work of God”? Where does it begin? Always in humility. Not in being served, but in serving. Not in self-actualization but in self-surrender.
-Elisabeth Elliot

The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only–and that is to support the ultimate career.
-C.S. Lewis

How can it be a large career to tell other people’s children the Rule of Three, and a small career to tell one’s own children about the universe? How can it be broad to be the same thing to everyone, and narrow to be everything to someone? No. A woman’s function is laborious, but because it is gigantic, not because it is minute. I will pity Mrs Jones for the hugeness of her task ; I will never pity her for its smallness.
-G.K. Chesterton

This job [of motherhood] has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.
-Elisabeth Elliot

Respond to God’s calls to worship throughout your days and nights, serving and nurturing helpless little ones and worshiping the author of life.
-Gloria Furman

Mothers’ arms are made of tenderness, and sweet sleep blesses the child who lies therein.
-Victor Hugo