I sat at the edge of my daughters' bed, patiently waiting for them to choose the songs they wanted me to sing before they drifted off to sleep. Despite my eyes growing heavy, I mustered the energy to sing to them. Two long hymns and a truckload of kisses and goodnights later, I hauled myself off to the kitchen to clean up. My husband was away. I was tired. It had been a long day. I wasn't feeling too cheery. I grumbled in my heart about all that time the girls had wasted getting ready for bed at a snail's pace and then taking even longer to pick a song. Yes - I was far from cheery.
The next morning, I came across an Instagram story where my friend had shared a song. The title sounded peculiar, so I tapped the link to listen.
The first line stopped me in my tracks.
"It's a mama singing songs about the Lord…"
I listened on…
"It's a daddy spending family time the world says he cannot afford
These simple moments change the world."
I immediately felt guilty about the previous night. But a moment later, I realised it was a gentle reminder from the Father. Singing those two songs the last night probably didn't change the world, but it made a difference to my girls.
The song is "Dream Small" – not what you usually hear, right? We're always told to DREAM BIG. AIM HIGH. REACH FOR THE SKY. This song was different. It was a reminder that the little things matter. It was a reminder that the seemingly mundane moments that we often pass by or brush away matter.
What we do every day—disciplining our children, wiping noses, cleaning up spilt juice, breaking up the tenth sibling squabble in a day, listening to our child while they tell us about their latest invention, or singing the same song for the fifth night in a row— ALL THIS MATTERS. To God.
I read this analogy recently, which explains it perfectly. It's not the huge, glittery, beautiful, expensive chandelier adorning my living room that's the main light in my house. It's the tiny 'seemingly insignificant' night light in the hallway that keeps me from stubbing my toe in the dark. Size and significance have no correlation. Our ministry at home matters because it matters to God.
Perhaps you're a young first-time mama struggling to get things right, battling occasional self-doubt, and wondering how your child will turn out. Or maybe you gave up your career, choosing to stay home and raise your kids, an eyebrow-raising decision to many around you. Some of you may be weary and worn out, juggling hours at work and returning home to give your absolute best to your children. For some of you, being single mothers means navigating a world that constantly demands so much—from providing for your family and striving to be an exceptional mother while seeking to carve out time for your own needs and well-being. Or perhaps you are a grieving mama trying your best to move forward after the loss of your child. Or you may be an empty-nester, finding ways to keep yourself busy now that your children have all grown up, cherishing fond memories, and looking forward to video calls that keep you connected.
Whatever stage you find yourself in your journey as a mama, remember that motherhood is a privilege and a gift from God. Noticed or not, dear Mama, what you do matters, and I want you to know it beyond a doubt – God sees you.
I am reminded of Lois and Eunice's impact on young Timothy's life. As Timothy was growing, his mother and grandmother may never have imagined that their faithfulness in teaching him about God would reap a great reward. Their legacy is reflected in only a single verse, and yet we see the enormous fruit of their labour.
'I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also'. 2 Timothy 1:5
Paul recognised that Lois and Eunice's investment in Timothy's life shaped the young man's life, resulting in him becoming a powerful messenger of God's word.
Mama, we are raising the Timothies of today. Let us not underestimate the impact we make every time we deal gently with a tired child, sing to them about God's grace, tell them stories about Jesus, or serve them in love despite being worn out. They see, and God sees.
God has used motherhood to change and refine me in ways I could never have imagined. Motherhood has shown me things about myself I would never have otherwise accepted. It has exposed my weaknesses, chronicled my fears, and magnified my flaws. It has humbled me to my knees in defeat and pushed me to storm the throne room with prayers.
Motherhood is sanctifying me. It reminds me every day how little control I have over my situations, pushing me to worship at the feet of the One who is in control of it all. You see, mama, motherhood has magnified my sins to me. But even more, it has magnified my Saviour for me. It has magnified His love for me. His sovereignty. His Omnipresence. His faithfulness. His Mercy.
Every day, I have the opportunity to see glimpses of the beautiful Gospel on display. My true need isn't to find the most amazing routine for my children, the finest sleep-training method, or even the best potty-training program; instead, it is to understand my desperate need to depend entirely on the grace of God. I don't need to find satisfaction in how perfectly behaved my children are or give myself a pat on the back every time I bite back a harsh response. What I need most is found in Him and Him alone. And that is the glimpse of the gospel I see in the small, mundane moments of my life.
So, dream small
Don't buy the lie you've got to do it all
Just let Jesus use you where you are
One day at a time
Live well
Loving God and others as yourself
Find little ways where only you can help
With His great love
A tiny rock can make a giant fall
So dream small.
Josh Wilson (Dream Small)
Mama, 'Let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.' (Galatians 6:9)
For now, keep trusting, keep serving, and keep praying, and one day we will hear Him say,
'Well done, good and faithful Mama!'
Photo by dylan nolte on Unsplash
Great writing Shiphra - thank you for the reminders. Don’t forget that it’s also OK if your two daughters don’t turn out to be Timothys or Eunices whose names everyone knows. They too can make a difference by loving their neighbors and raising their children and sharing the Good News quietly one neighbor at a time. We might be able to dream small for ourselves but it’s still hard to dream small for our children.
Please keep writing.
Well written Ship. Praying God will bless this to many.
Keep writing.
Beautiful Shiph!
And very well written too.
Sure this will be a blessing and encouragement to many mums.
That's really an encouraging article. Especially for me who has gone through all these phases. Keep writing.
Every day, I have the opportunity to see glimpses of the beautiful Gospel on display. My true need isn't to find the most amazing routine for my children, the finest sleep-training method, or even the best potty-training program; instead, it is to understand my desperate need to depend entirely on the grace of God.
Thank you for this beautiful reminder, dear Ships!! Loads of love
Hey Ships!!! This piece was such a blessing to me! Such a timely reminder!! Please continue to do what you do so well, God has called you to write simple things as this, to impact simple people like me, to understand our bigger purpose that he has called each one of us to. Love you loads.
I'm so glad you were able to relate to the post. Soli Deo Gloria! Thank you! ❤
All glory to Him Joyce! Thank you! ❤
Thank you Tim for that reminder! It's true..it's often difficult to dream small for our children. My prayer is that they would grow to love Him and walk closely with Him all the days of their lives. Thank you for the encouragement!
Thank you Aunty @Shirley! I'm so grateful to have mothers like you who have set an example for us! Shiph
@Sam Thomas Amen! Thank you! ❤️
@Margaret Thomas Thank you! ❤️