Over the past week I have planned and cooked meals, scrubbed toilets, purchased white string cheese for one household member and orange stick cheese for another, ordered more tissues and dishsoap to arrive on my doorstep, and vacuumed up dog hair under the table.
I’ve filled out the school permission slips and book orders that I found in a backpack. I’ve changed my kids closets over for both size and seasons; today I’m diving into the shoes to do the same. I’ve sent pictures to be developed for “Star of the Week” day at preschool, then packed the photos up in a labeled envelope and put it alongside the requested favorite book in a backpack.
I’ve restocked the shower with body wash and distributed toilet paper to all the various empty rolls. I’ve wiped counters and cleared the table in one fell swoop. I’ve prayed with and for my kids and tucked little curls behind little ears at night — both ears, not just one, because I know she likes it tucked behind both.
I’ve brushed and wiggled teeth, hollered for hands to be washed when I know they’ve gotten dirty before I’ve seen them, and closed the lid to the dog food bin lest mice come looking for a feast. I’ve explained long words to little learners and texted pictures to grandma. I’ve tossed beloved shirts into the wash and poured water in the dog’s bowl. I’ve watered the preschool plant project and moved it into the sunshine to try and keep it alive another day.
All in a week. A very typical, run-of-the-mill week. Extraordinary all up in the mundane.
Because I am a woman, I constantly perform acts of tiny service that go unseen. All day, every day. The bittiest of details, done with barely a thought. With only thirty-five years into being a woman and six years into mothering, this is a finely tuned, carefully honed skill and the mark of the craft.
And because you are a woman, I know you do the same.
We are the keepers of the minutiae, of the details that make a home run and hearts sing. We are the knowers of small things, of favorites and things not-so-loved. We can read a heart in one glance. We can heal with a hug. We can calm with a word. We are the hosts of each other, the middle-of-the-night texters, the hearts that reach out when we feel a friend needs us.
Moms, caretakers, grandmas, babysitters, teachers . . . Women are the unseen do-ers. We are the people of hidden service, who have learned to do things swiftly and silently in a second-nature sort of way. At times, that has rendered me feeling powerless and small. Unimportant and unimpressive. Even though I know that if I disappeared with tasks left undone (God forbid the beloved t-shirt went unwashed or the dog hair remained un-vacuumed for a week) and all the things I’d set in place fell apart, it’s easy to throw an “I don’t matter” pity party for myself. It’s easy for me to look to my husband, kids, co-workers, and friends for affirmation that may never come.
It’s a good thing we have a God who adores women. We have a God who appeared first to women after rising, who believes in women and has used their hands throughout history to do His good work, who sees us — both as we are and as we could be. We have a God who never actually said that motherhood is the highest calling, but in His wisdom gifts us individually to make up a whole body, beautiful and full.
Each and every one of those invisible tasks is seen, etched in His mind as He delights in you.
For the Lord your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With his love, he will calm all your fears.
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
He. Delights. In. You.
Yep, you. You, who are a weary mother. You, who are not a mom. You, in the office cubicle. You, who diligently serves on the behind-the-scenes committees at church. You, who texts your friends to check in. You, who hasn’t had an evening to herself in way, way too long. You, who loves being a mom. You, the woman who maintains countless unseen tasks, holds things together (sometimes by a thread) and balances plates like a boss.
You are beloved to Him. God delights in His daughters — whether they mother or not.
As kids, my own mom used to tell us, “I am woman. Hear me roar!” as she tarred the driveway, hung sheetrock in the basement, juggled our schedules and her jobs, and tenderly cared for her parents, her family and her friends. As we enter a weekend focused on mothers, followed by a season full of unseen tasks that threaten to overwhelm the hearts of the women who manage them . . . may we roar. May we celebrate our sisters as they find their own roars. And may we feel the glow of love from our God who adores, and sees every little thing.
Leave a Comment
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Anna,
Whether we wield a frying pan or a welding torch, whether we perform intricate surgery with q-tips or a scalpel, whether we wear pumps or yoga pants to work….we are mighty special in God’s eyes. He delights over us with singing. We are daughters of the King. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. I believe Jesus first appeared to the women because He knew they would be faithful spreaders of the Good News (not of gossip). May we go forward today knowing God sent His only Son – if only just for me. What love. What a God. What a Savior. Joining with you in kicking the lies of the enemy to the curb and roaring, in the unison of knowing we are loved, with my fierce sisters in Christ. Great rally cry, Anna!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Anna Rendell says
Yep and AMEN! 🙂
Michele Morin says
Manager of the Minutiae! That title has a great ring to it, and I always chuckle when my big, competent, and eminently employable sons need their funny little mother to help them find something or to think through a decision that’s pending. I love how independent they are, but I have a tiny hope stuffed somewhere hidden that I will always be able to find small ways to serve them.
Happy Mother’s Day, Anna. It’s awesome that you remember BOTH colors of stick cheese.
Anna Rendell says
It’s a great title, isn’t it?!
Natalie Bone says
I can not say thank you enough for these beautiful words!
Anna Rendell says
Natalie, thank YOU for reading and encouraging me!
Kathleen Burkinshaw says
Anna, thank you so much for your words today. There are times when I feel that now with my daughter away at school, did all that I had done and continue to do really matter. Being reminded that the Lord loves us, encourages us, and knows what you so creatively called the minutiae that we manage, truly inspires me today. Wishing you a Blessed Mother’s Day!
Anna Rendell says
Kathleen, thanks so much for your encouragement. I appreciate you!
Carol says
God bless you Anna. You have summed up motherhood and womanhood so well. Thank you.
Anna Rendell says
xoxo, Carol.
Jas says
Great post Anna! My dear sisters above are right such a good encapsulation of mother and womanhood! And the important reminder that God sees us and everything we do big or small – we are so lucky for such a loving God!
Anna Rendell says
He certainly does – and we certainly are!!
Oretha says
This is something I have never done before. So as I try to respond, I so with tear-filled eyes. You have confirmed me in your very eloquent reflection on mother’s. I celebrated my 69th birthday yesterday by doing what you shared…resting in the delight of the merciful and loving God. Thank you, Thank you for showing me the source of my joy.
Becky Keife says
Happy birthday, Oretha! So very glad you’re here and sharing a slice of life with us at (in)courage!
Oretha Pretlow says
Thank you! And Thank You again for sharing your wonderful words. This weekend I will share them with the Mothers/Ladies of the Basilica of St. Mary.
Anna Rendell says
Oretha, thank you for sharing with your church family! I’m touched and truly honored. I hope you had a wonderful birthday and Mother’s Day weekend!
Shanice says
Thank you Anna for this! I am a mother to a three year boy, I work full time, and I take classes. This week has been overwhelming for me and I’ve had a couple of breakdowns. I feel unappreciated at times. This post reminds me God cares, if no one else does. Happy Mother’s Day!
Jessica says
Your little boy notices whether he can tell you that or not. What an awesome example you are to him for taking classes and working while still being a great mom. Keep up the good, but hard work. You can do it!!
Shanice says
Thank you Jessica! 🙂
Anna Rendell says
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! God so, totally, completely cares. I’m inspired by all that you’re doing and Jessica is right – he notices!
Rachel says
“We are knowers of small things, of favorites and things not-so-loved.” Yes, I have to be careful of this one sometimes. I can make my husband feel as though he doesn’t know the children or isn’t a good father if I make a suggestion while he’s trying to help me. We are all of the things you’ve described here. Beautiful words for women.
Anna Rendell says
Thank you, Rachel. Great reminder, too.
Joann says
Anna as a mother who often forgets the cheese, I relish being loved by God unconditionally! I desire to be able to keep up with the minutiae but when I fall short, I’m reminded to keep my eyes and heart pursuing my Savior.
Anna Rendell says
‘Forgets the cheese’ made me for real LOL 🙂 May we all keep our eyes and hearts open, indeed!
Elizabeth says
I thank God each and every day for make by me a STRONG women!! I was once the mom of young children but in the blink of an eye they were grown women with husbands, children and homes of their own. My role in life has changed, still mother, wife and grandmother. And now I am thankful that he has made them STRONG women. To the world we may not be the smartest, slimmest or most beautiful but to our Heavenly Father we are and his LOVE for us is the greatest of all!
Anna Rendell says
Amen, Elizabeth!
Elizabeth says
I thank God each and every day for making by me a STRONG women!! I was once the mom of young children but in the blink of an eye they were grown women with husbands, children and homes of their own. My role in life has changed but I’m still mother, wife and grandmother. And now I am thankful that he has made them STRONG women. To the world we may not be the smartest, slimmest or most beautiful but to our Heavenly Father we are and his LOVE for us is the greatest of all!
Penny says
Anna,
Thank-you for putting your uplifting thoughts into words to share with us.
Have a blessed day all,
Penny
Anna Rendell says
Thanks, Penny.
Joanna says
This brought tears to my eyes. As a stay-at-home mom of three 6yo and under, I know I’m the one holding everything together in our home but I often feel so INVISIBLE. Everything I do is undone in hours or sometimes minutes, and rarely even acknowledged, much less met with gratitude. It’s difficult to keep the bigger picture in mind that these are acts of service for God, not just my family. Thank you for the reminder!
Anna Rendell says
Oh Joanna, you are so not invisible but I SO get that feeling. It’s what inspired this post for sure. You are SEEN and LOVED and VALUED, far beyond for what you accomplish. Blessings, sister!
Christine says
Thank you so much Anna!! This is so inspiring and encouraging and it literally lifted my spirit up upon reading like the aroma of essential oils. God Bless you and Happy Mother’s Day!
Denise Pass says
Beautiful post before Mother’s Day. Thank you!
Tracey says
It is often very hard to remember how valuable you are as a mother and wife when you have a husband who is not a Christian and does not value you. He also tears down your efforts and your heart everyday and even encourages your children to disrespect and lie to you. It is so so very hard to remember when you feel so unloved. I really need to remember and say, “Not today Satan!”
Donna says
Tracey,
I am so sorry you have such a difficult situation. Praying that God will use you to bring your husband to Him and that He will give you comfort.
Romans 15:13 – Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Beth Williams says
Tracey,
Praying for you. May you feel God’s love surrounding you. Never forgot you are His beloved. I pray God will change your husband’s heart & bring him back to Jesus. God loves you & so do we here at In Courage!
(((((Hugs)))))
Anna Rendell says
‘Not today, Satan’ would have to be your battle cry, dear Tracey. Stand strong in the faith, sister!
As Paul writes in Ephesians: Put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Donna says
Thank you so much for the beautiful post about all the things mothers do and are.
Kristin Taylor says
This is the pep talk my heart needed, sweet friend. xo
Anna Rendell says
BIG hugs, you!!
Joey Rudder says
I LOVE this post! Thank you, Anna. You made me feel so loved by God for just being me, the one who scrubs toilets, picks up our daughter from school because her trombone is just way to big for the bus, and “yells” at my hubby to eat his veggies. 🙂 Happy Mother’s Day to you, and may God bless you!
Anna Rendell says
Yessss! Joey, that’s SO the goal! Sending big hugs and lots of coffee to you on this Monday afternoon 🙂
Joey Rudder says
🙂
Maylee says
So true to all of this… We as women do provide services all day long to those we love. Although at times we feel so unappreciative, we know that little eyes are watching us. Watching to see if we shall falter and sure enough we fail day after day but we muster the will in us to keep on moving. This is what unconditional love is. Jesus loves us with this unconditional love and even when we walk away from him, when we close our hearts to him, he continues to love on us, calling us to come back home. When I think about that, I know I will most likely not be able to give my kids that kind of unending love. It’s easy to love when it is people whom we love and who loves us. Lord, thank you for loving me, for loving on us even when we fail miserably. Have a wonderful Happy Mother’s Day to all the ladies out there. And let us remind ourselves that even amidst the chaos in our daily lives, we are making a difference. Thank you for sharing this:)
Anna Rendell says
‘…even amidst the chaos in our daily lives, we are making a difference.’ <-- THIS!! Thanks for the encouragement, Maylee.
Kathy Cheek, Author-First Breath of Morning says
I am so blessed to be the mother of two daughters, both grown, and our oldest is due with our first grandchild in a few weeks. I hope she enjoys motherhood as much as I have!
To all the mothers,
Happy Mother’s Day!
Anna Rendell says
Congrats on your new addition, Kathy!
Rebecca Jones says
Anna I hope you get a day off for Mother’s Day, as I told another mother this week you make me tired just reading it. Sounds like what I did doing family day care. I have a new friend who said even her tired is tired. We do have a Lord who adores us and we need His rest. See my blog if you care to read my Mothers Day poem. Mothers Let Me Adore You.
Anna Rendell says
“even her tired is tired” <-- SO TRUE 🙂
Beth Williams says
Anna,
Women everywhere need to hear this. We do a ton of mundane unseen tasks often feeling unappreciated. Women do the small, minutiae tasks that no one else either wants to do or remembers to do. For my family I am queen of Walmart & grocery store, do all errand running & check on in-laws frequently. We need to hear that God loves us no matter what we do. He is crazy about us & sings over us. Hold your head high women! You all should be proud of yourselves for managing households & families. May God bless all women !!
Anna Rendell says
Yes and amen, Beth!!
Becky Keife says
God who sees us — both as we are and as we could be. Yes! And He hears our hearts roar through every unseen, hard, beautiful thing. —now off to change another load of laundry so one kid’s baseball uniform is clean for the weekend! 🙂 Love you voice and how you mother your kids and also those of us blessed to listen in. xx
Anna Rendell says
Amen, my friend!! Thank you for your sweet encouragement.
Brenda says
Awe, how sweet is this? — And, that Zephaniah verse caught me off guard this night with its beauty. A million times I’ve read it, and yet it somehow takes my breath away—the way He loves.Thank you, Lord for being our strength for every beautifully mundane task you created us for. And, thank you for giving us eyes to see when the “extraordinary is all up in the mundane.” ♥♥♥
Anna Rendell says
Such a wonderful verse to cling to, isn’t it??
Susan says
Thank you for those words Anna. Hope you have a Happy Mothers Day.
Becky L says
These words shared are just what our lives are. When we are gone the things we did and words spoken and love given will be remembered. Thanks for sharing! Happy Mother’s day! God bless you!