Missional Mothering

I have been asked more in the last few weeks than any other time in my life this question: “so, what do you do all day?”

I know people who would take a lot of offense at that question... and I was tempted to a few times as well (you want to come over and watch me all day? I’ll even let you wash out some poopy underwear) but it actually caused me to really think about what is it that I, as a mother, follower of the Lord, and woman who desires to be a missionary, do. What is it that my daughter would say that I do all day? Does she see me as a somewhat crazy person, running around cleaning, cooking, driving places, calling people, emailing, trying to frantically get things done? Do I seem just like any mother in the US? Or does she see Christ in me? This is the most important question. It doesn’t really matter what I am actually doing all day, though I am tempted to think it does. What matters is if I am glorifying the Lord and really pointing to Him, in everything! Every poopy diaper, every email, every dish washed and dog vomit clean-up. 

I was talking to a friend recently who is very interested in going on the mission field. She is single and without children and she asked what I would be doing over there. Good question! I thought for a short moment and replied “well, I guess the same thing I do here!” Though I had not thought about that before saying it, I think it is such a good way for us as women to look at being a mother on the mission field. Yes, there may be a new language to learn, yes some new cultural things and customs, yes my floor may be constantly covered in dirt and I will be without a good washer and dryer. But really, will my life be any different? Should it be different when we are overseas? I don’t think it should. If we as moms are loving our children and our husbands, wanting to keep a safe and homey home, feeding everyone, being hospital, and most importantly walking in the joy of knowing Christ and living in light of the gospel then really there is nothing different to do there than here. This is freeing and helps remind me that I am on mission NOW and what I do daily matters for the kingdom. What I do today spills over into what I do in a place where they do not know Christ. 

“and whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”   -- Col 3:17

This was not only written to people who seem to be doing the important work in missions or the church. It wasn’t to the people who had a great job and felt fulfilled in everything they did. It was to the whole church then and today. Paul (through the Holy Spirit) had in mind mothers too! And this is not a suggestion, but rather a command. 

So, pray for the missionary moms around the world today! That we would all have wisdom from above for the craziness in our homes... but mostly that we would love and rely on Christ minute by minute and do all this for His glory! 

SEF