One thing I know, is that this Weary Mom is tired. I am bone deep tired. It is the kind of tired where everything hurts and I can’t remember my last name. I have had enough of tired. Do you feel it too? Can you even remember a day in the last year where you didn’t feel it? Lord, give me one good day at the spa and I will be a new mom, I have whispered. But is it really enough?
I spent much of last Friday afternoon at a spa called Bonjour. It was my friend’s birthday, and her husband treated us to a day filled with pampering. I have never been so relaxed in my life. After our spa time, we had lunch in a grown up restaurant with real live grown up conversation. I did not have stop eating once to cut up food or take a small person to the potty. I was beginning to put complete sentences together and think clearly for the first time in weeks. Until…
I picked up my 3 older girls from their Friday enrichment program. While I was spa-ing they were storing up a whole slew of discouragements about their day. As the van door opened, they poured them out simultaneously for me to hear. When we arrived home, the baby added her dissatisfaction for mommy leaving her all day as well. Within minutes, everyone wanted to know what I was going to cook them for dinner. Later, to add insult to injury, I looked down and noticed my freshly manicured hands were dirty and my Sassy Platinum nail polish chipped. The happy and relaxed feeling melted away and I was left to think how in the world I could get it back.
As wonderful as a day at the spa was, I know I can’t live there. My reality as a mom is quite different. My day is spent in active engagement of meeting the needs of my family and loving them well. It is dirty. It is stressful. It is busy. And most days, it is incredibly wearying. The rewards and blessings are not always apparent. So, I get run down. I need a break from time to time, and they are welcome. But the benefits of these breaks only go so far. What is the answer for a mom who is daily poured out? How does even the most determined woman of faith not give sway to being overwhelmed? I’m pretty sure I found it here:
28 Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
Isaiah 40: 28
Jesus understood a life poured out. Jesus knew dirty, busy, and tired. He had 12 men pressing hard upon Him every single day to love them well. He also knew the pressure of the sick and hurting and neediness of the masses. When He grew tired, He knew where to go. He knew His Father would not grow weary. The Bible tells us that “But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” (Luke 5:16, New Living Translation)
He prayed. He withdrew to the wilderness. He spoke to His Father. Often. And in doing so, He also left us an example of what we are to do when we find ourselves in the midst of the wearying life as a mom. His promise in Isaiah continues…
29 He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
30 Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:29-31
Are you weak? Do you need strength to get up and cook dinner? Are you tired? Moms who put their trust in the Lord have the promise of new strength and hope that will soar like eagles in their hearts.
Sassy Platinum nail polish can’t do that. The only hope we have, Weary Mom, is a life of complete dependence upon our Father. He loves us so much, understands us completely, and has already rescued our lives from hopelessness. He sent us Jesus to show us the way home, with hope. Let’s walk together and remind each other of this precious promise today. I know I need that, don’t you?
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14 Comments
I so appreciated this post. So many days it is hard to have a servant heart…but spending time in the word helps keep me focused on my goal. Thank you for being part of that focus today!
So glad you were encouraged today Mary! Have a blessed day!
Oh Stacey…I just love your heart in this. You’re right! Those special times are great. Sneaking a nap, a quick mani/pedi, a date night or time with girlfriends…they’re all important and a fun break from the mess. But how do we grab on to God’s grace in the in-between times?
There’s an old hymn that explains it well and sums up what you’ve written.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
God has proven this hymn in my life over and over again. I heard a pastor say one time that we need to GLANCE at our troubles, for they are real and need our attention. But we should GAZE at Jesus, because He has the power to calm the storm.
Amen sister. Beautiful post!
How did you know, I’ve been singing that hymn all week?
“Oh soul are you weary and troubled….turn your eyes upon Jesus!”
Love it.
Great minds…or great grace…something like that
I’ve been hoarding a gift certificate to the nail salon for a “special occassion” – The truth is- I haven’t really found a moment to go use it… the hectic daily life seems to devour my days before I can even recall that I have the thing stuck in my drawer.
But I also reallize. like you mention, that a trip to the nail salon will not offer refreshment for this weary mama heart- well, maybe an hours worth- but it’s falling at the feet of Jesus and placing my burdens on Him that will really release me from the feelings of weariness. Thank You Jesus.
So good. I have been hearing this of late everywhere I go, “that He never grows tired or weary”. And I am oh so tired. This mothering is hard work. Some days I just don’t have the strength. I forget that it is only by His strength! Thank you my friend!
Amen, sister! I am right there with you!
Thank you for this. I am completely worn out myself and have been for weeks. I’m a single mom. I’m homeschooling my boys and I’m in a graduate program at night. Oh and I teach Sunday school at church. I’m exhausted and don’t have the chance for a break. There’s no one around to get me that time away that I desperately want. I try to do spa at home with my foot massager and 79 cent facial mask, but it don’t last long as you have said. Recently I started dedicating my 90 minute school commute to spending time with God. I listen to sermons and worship music all the way to school and back. And I always feel refreshed by the time I get home and head to bed.
LaToya you certainly have your hands full. This verse, about God never growing weary is so encouraging to me. The image of Christ, too, on the last night before His crucifixion, ministering and washing the feet of the disciples blesses me, too. He was worn out. He was facing His greatest challenge, and He still poured out His life and served them. Oh to have that kind of heart! Just knowing Jesus understands is so good for my heart! Praying for you right now!
Thanks so much. What a great reminder of the real “cure” for the weariness. No power nap or piece of great chocolate with coffee will bring the results that I can get from earnest prayer. This is exactly what I needed to hear.
Aww what a nice treat! And what great insights!
Oh and PS I TOTALLY love this blog, I read all the time i just rarley comment so I will make up for it twice on this one
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