Hidden Work

Today, I went to my local Library (aka my office) to get some work done. It’s our family Sabbath day, so we spent almost the whole day together hanging out.

We started the morning with one of our favorite hikes that has a magical tree swing along the way and then came home and enjoyed an epic brunch. (epic for us!) I made bacon and sausage, fresh eggs from our chickens, and avocado toast. We had fresh cantaloupe, strawberries, and ricotta cheese on the side.

I always feel like it’s a special day when I make bacon. We don’t have it that often and it usually gets made on holidays, so yeah, today felt special because of the bacon. Maybe not the sabbath day you were picturing, but for us, these days are all about remembering, celebrating, and delighting in the Lord. It’s about wasting time doing the things that make us sit in awe of our Creator. It’s about tasting and seeing that He is good. It’s about breaking bread and drinking wine and sharing communion with God and each other in a set a part way. It’s about remembering how special God’s story is.

Anyway, we ate and laughed at our French bulldog, Nelson. It was a sunny day and we have this sweet little nook in our yard where the sun hits just right. It’s the perfect place to sit and rest after a meal, so we all sat, soaked in the sun, and were still.

After that, we decided it was time to make a double batch of our favorite cookies. I had a bee in my bonnet to cook, so I did! Sheesh, some days I just feel like making all the family favorites.

Again, there’s something about making bacon and passing out freshly baked cookies and cold milk that makes a day feel extra special for our family. It doesn’t cost much, just takes a little time and their smiles are so worth the effort. It was a sweet Sabbath together.

After I cleaned up the dishes, it was time for me to get some “time off” to do what I love……enjoy alone time.

It’s interesting that no matter how long I’ve been a mom, (almost 13 years!) I still struggle to leave the family and take personal time away to work on writing projects. Today, it was about 3pm when I left the house, everyone was fine, but there was still a hint of mom guilt as I left. I guess while I still have kids at home, I will tend to feel that way. Even so, I made it out of the house solo. Glory, Hallelujah!

I walked into that quiet library (thank you Jesus!), found my favorite spot with a plug close by, and got to work. I checked FB marketplace (of course) and texted my husband a few times before I started editing, but I actually did get some personal work done. You see, I’ve had so much I want to get out of my head and onto this screen. Creating resources for the Mother of Rest community has been a huge burden (in a good way) on my heart for the past few years. I’ve been in full summer mom mode, which means not as many built-in breaks are happening and I’m just bursting at the seems to sit down and write.

I had more to say, so after the kid’s bedtime, I started typing again at 10:48pm. I love these moments so much. There’s nothing quite like a quiet house and knowing you won’t be interrupted. Am I right? My nervous system is at ease and there’s a flow going on. This writing and sharing encouraging, real-life stories from the frontlines of motherhood…..this fills me up. Going on a hike with my family…fills me up. Making bacon and cookies for my family…fills me up. Taking time to pray for moms and create resources that might help you along your journey…that fills me up. What fills you up?

The work of a mother is often hidden. It’s usually in the late night or early morning that we do the things that matter most. We nurse babies, change diapers, soothe cries, and comfort little ones when nobody’s watching. We pray, clean up, decorate for birthdays, write blogs, and get extra work done when nobody’s watching.

Just like the Peruvian Apple Cactus, whose giant white flower blooms once a year at midnight and closes by sunrise that same day…a mother’s most beautiful work and act of worship is usually done in the dark when nobody’s watching. It’s holy and it’s hidden work.

The cool thing is that God sees all of it. When you’re up nursing a baby or doing your budget or decorating for that special birthday breakfast, He sees you. When you’re awake for the fifth time with a sick child or fearful little one, God sees that. When you’re up late doing laundry, dishes, and packing for a family trip or making a costume for a play, God sees that. And when you’re up and desperately crying out for help, Jesus hears you and is with you.

All the hard work you do mama and the special ways you show up for your children may be hidden, but they are seen by God. I think it’s similar to that cactus flower. Some of a mother’s most beautiful, open, and honest moments will probably be the ones that are hidden and reserved for God alone.

If you’re tired and feel like there’s no time to get certain things done, remember that every little thing you’re doing to love and care for your family during the day matters to the heart of God. He sees and knows. Sometimes, depending on the season of life we’re in, we may just need to stay up late or wake up early to do those things that fill us up. I encourage you to get a journal out and talk to God about this. He cares about you and wants to help you with this.

I know for me, over the past 13 years, it’s taken a lot of prayer, asking for help, and creativity to get the rest and time I need to fill up as a mom. It’s taken a lot of flexibility and trust to let God be the main one who ultimately fills me up day after day. (I’ll talk more about that in another post).

For today, I pray you keep making time to pause, rest, and fill up, so you can keep pouring out the love of Jesus in your home and community. The world needs moms that are resting in the Love of Jesus and Word of God. Amen?!
With Love and Blessings, Kathryn

JOURNALING PROMPTS:
What’s something that fills you up and brings you joy?
What’s one thing I can take off my schedule this week?
One activity that would be restful for me this week?
Who’s one friend that’s life-giving and makes me laugh?
Who can I ask to help me this week?