Continue On
Several months ago, I was feeling a bit discouraged, wondering if anything I do here at home is worthwhile. I was tired, the days were feeling long and monotonous, and I just felt like I wasn’t making a huge impact on the world.
And then I came across an old Elisabeth Elliot newsletter that reminded me of the vision I started out with, and encouraged me that what I’m doing here at home does matter, so very much!
“A woman once fretted over the usefulness of her life. She feared she was wasting her potential being a devoted wife and mother. She wondered if the time and energy she invested in her husband and children would make a difference. At times she got discouraged because so much of what she did seemed to go unnoticed and unappreciated. ‘Is it worth it?’ she often wondered. ‘Is there something better that I could be doing with my time?’
It was during one of these moments of questioning that she heard the still small voice of her heavenly Father speak to her heart. ‘You are a wife and mother because that is what I have called you to be. Much of what you do is hidden from the public eye. But I notice. Most of what you give is done without remuneration. But I am your reward. Your husband cannot be the man I have called him to be without your support. Your influence upon him is greater than you think and more powerful than you will ever know. I bless him through your service and honor him through your love. Your children are precious to Me. Even more precious than they are to you. I have entrusted them to your care to raise for Me. Continue on. Remember you are My servant. Do all to please Me.'”
~Roy Lessin, quoted in The Elisabeth Elliot Newsletter
Continue on, wives, mothers, and homemakers! Your job is of extreme importance and has eternal worth!
I needed this today. I'm so glad I found you through A Wise Woman. Thank you for these words!
I'm so glad it was encouraging, and I'm so glad you found your way here!
Thank you for posting this, Joy. I needed to see this right now. The past few weeks have been trying, heartbreaking and hard…. And I have lost sight of what my 'vision' should be. Thank you…. Your posts are always such an encouragement!
Ashley
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that things are difficult right now. I'll definitely be praying for you, Ashley! I've added you and your family to my prayer list. ♥
Joy,
Your blog is such an encouragement to me to see the beauty of being a wife and mother! I stay home with our little ones and it's hard to look past the messes and attitudes a mother has to deal with daily. Our job is so important though. My husband says that if something is worthwhile it often isn't easy. Thanks for your words and pictures that help me visualize the beauty of home!
Thank you so much for encouraging me with your kind words! What your husband says is so true–many things worth doing are hard, it seems. I pray you will always remember your worth and value as a wife and mother!
This is soo lovely to read. My female relatives including my 88 year old grandmother, proceeding to tell us how disappointed they are that our daughter is getting married and ONLY wants to be a wife and mom. My daughter wasn't there..thank goodness, but wow did that make me feel worthless since that is what I am. I will say that the Lord has really given my family peace about my being SAHM and my daughter's choices also. Thank you for the reminder that we only have to please God.
I'm so glad it was encouraging, Christy! I heard that phrase many times through the years, "only a wife and mother." As if it wasn't important! Blessings to you and your daughter. ♥
Elisabeth Elliot is my favorite and has always inspired me. Her "Do the next thing." saying sometimes is just the thing I need to hear.
Thanks for sharing ~ and for the reminder.
Hugs from WA
I agree, I just love Elisabeth Elliot's writings. And the "do the next thing" advice has helped me through many difficult times. Hugs and blessings to you, Carol! ♥
Good morning, Joy. That was such an encouragement to me this morning. For some reason, I've been feeling very discontented with my life. I've been striving too much, trying too hard. And I really can't even identify what I've been striving to achieve, but I know that it has led to me feeling like there must be something more for me to do. This, I believe, might be the first step in turning my heart back towards fully embracing my calling. Thank you for taking the time to post this!
Oh, good, Amber, I'm so glad if this encouraged you as it did me! I think we all go through times of feeling restless or discontent or like we're just not doing enough. It happens to me from time to time, and God is so kind to send just the encouragement I need at the right time. Praying that the Lord would bless you as you embrace your calling! ♥