Motherhood is one of those beautiful, yet completely unpredictable journeys. As a full-time working mother with three young children, I sometimes feel like I’m juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. I find myself constantly running between tasks: getting the children to and from school, preparing meals, managing a household, meeting work deadlines, and still trying to be present for my children. It’s easy to get lost in the chaos and feel like I’m not doing enough, but in these messy, overwhelming moments, I’ve learned that God’s joy shines brighter than ever.
The Joy of Simple Moments
Often, I find myself focusing on the big things that need to get done, like completing a project at work or getting my children to their extracurricular activities. But in the middle of these demands, I’ve come to realise that true joy doesn’t always come from the big moments; it often comes from the simple, everyday things. A spontaneous hug from my eldest, a moment of laughter shared over a silly game, the quiet peace of reading a bedtime story together, or when the children ask to pray before bed – these are the moments that fill my heart with joy.
In Psalm 118:24, we are reminded, “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” God has given us each day as a gift, and even in the chaos of motherhood, there are reasons to rejoice. It’s so easy to get caught up in the tasks and forget that every moment is a chance to experience God’s blessings, no matter how small they may seem.
These moments of joy remind us that even in the busiest seasons of life, God is present and active, filling our lives with love and laughter. And let me tell you, there are some days when “rejoicing” looks like having a hot cup of coffee in silence while the children are having a nap or off to school.
Embracing Imperfection
Motherhood, especially in the context of full-time work, can never be perfect. There will be days when the laundry piles up, the dishes remain unwashed, and dinner is a last-minute takeaway. Yet, I’ve come to embrace the reality that God does not expect me to be perfect. In fact, 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
When I feel overwhelmed by the expectations placed on me – by society, my job, or even my own standards – I remember that it’s okay to not have it all together. And when I do lose my patience (which, let’s face it, happens a lot when you have three kids under 7), I’ve also learned that it’s okay to mess up. God’s grace is more than enough to cover my shortcomings, and His love for me is unconditional. God doesn’t look at me with disappointment; He’s there, ready to help me do better tomorrow. His love is not conditional on whether I’ve made the perfect meal or organised the house to Pinterest standards. I don’t need to be perfect. I can lean into His strength and rest in the knowledge that He is pleased with my efforts, even when they are imperfect.
The Spiritual Gifts of Motherhood
Amid the messiness and exhaustion, I’ve come to see motherhood as a powerful avenue for spiritual growth. Through caring for my children, I’m learning to be more patient, more compassionate, and more self-sacrificial – qualities that mirror the love that God shows to us. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 teaches us that love is patient, kind, and not easily angered. Well, motherhood has surely provided ample opportunity to practise patience – especially when your child decides to have a meltdown over not getting the correct coloured spoon. I have learned that God uses these frustrating moments to shape us more into His image, and when I get it right (or even when I get it wrong but ask for forgiveness), I can see His love reflected in my response to my kids, and the love of Christ in my home.
Moreover, my children are constantly teaching me lessons of faith. Their innocence, their trust in God, and their simple prayers remind me of the importance of childlike faith. In Matthew 18:3, Jesus says, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become like little children, you will by no mean enter the kingdom of heaven.” My children’s unwavering trust in God encourages me to approach my own faith with the same sincerity and simplicity.
Focusing on What Truly Matters
Motherhood often requires us to prioritise. With so many competing demands on our time, it’s essential to remember that our spiritual health is just as important as our physical or emotional well-being. Taking time each day for prayer, reflection, or a quiet moment with God allows me to refocus and gain perspective. Even during the busiest of days, I remind myself of Matthew 6:33, which says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Putting God first in my day, even if it’s only for a few minutes, helps me to centre my heart and mind on Him, bringing peace to the chaos.
Trusting God in the Chaos
Sometimes, I feel like I’m riding a rollercoaster without a seatbelt or sitting in a teacup going round and round. Yet, I have found that the key to embracing joy in the chaos of motherhood is trusting God with it all. Life will never be perfect, and there will always be ups and downs (and moments of stress). But I’ve learned that I don’t have to carry it all on my own or be in control. God is with me, and God is in control, providing strength when I’m weak, peace when I’m anxious, and joy amid difficulty. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Learning to Rest in Grace (And Coffee)
As a mother, rest can often seem like a luxury I don’t have time for. But I’ve realised that rest isn’t just about sleep; it’s about giving myself permission to take a break – to rest in God’s grace. Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” For me, rest often looks like sitting down with a cup of hot coffee (preferably without anyone spilling it) and taking a few minutes to breathe and pray.
And if that’s all I get in a day, I’ll consider it a win. Because even in the chaos, God’s grace is always there, ready to fill me up when I feel empty.
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