The mundane of motherhood can leave me feeling forgotten. I am oh-so-easily overwhelmed with the piles of laundry, messy bathrooms, and dirty dishes. The love, discipline, and attention my children need is emotionally taxing. And, while there are great benefits to being a pastor’s wife, there are many nights where I think I might just scream if I have to put the kids to bed on my own again. It is hard not to feel alone when there is no one with me in the day-to-day moments.
I battle against feeling alone.
I think this is why social media and blogging has taken off like it has in recent years—it gives us “someone” to share our moments with. The funny sayings that come out of a toddler’s mouth, the crazy outfits an independent little diva chooses to wear, and the treasured, impromptu displays of affection from an oldest son all beg to be shared. And then there are the moments that make you want to scream. Or, the days that leave you in tears; the feelings of futility, frustration, and failure. Sending out a tweet or Facebook update in those moments can sometimes bring comfort and support in the moments of feeling alone and defeated. But, I wonder if I too often run to social media—instead of God—to avoid the feeling of being alone.
I must remember that, even when I feel alone, my God is present.
Then the Lord said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey… (Exodus 3:7, 8 ESV)
So, it may seem a bit extreme to liken my season of motherhood to the slavery of the Hebrew people in Egypt, but my feelings can be just as oppressing as the Israelites’ captivity. There are moments—hard moments—when I feel alone, abandoned, and absolutely hopeless. But God comes down to earth, reveals Himself to Moses through that burning bush with a magnificent plan to deliver His people out of bondage—His people who thought they were alone and abandoned in Egypt. And, when the people of Israel heard that their deliverer had come, I don’t think it was the exit plan that brought comfort and hope.
The joy in their hearts came from His presence, and from knowing they were not forgotten. So in those moments—those REALLY bad moments—when I feel completely out of control and utterly defeated, I want to remember the promises found tucked away in this very familiar story.
God sees. God hears. God knows. God delivers. God provides.
What about you? Are you stuck in the throws of motherhood, or a church plant—or both? Are you an empty-nester struggling with the transition of a quiet home? (They say that I will miss these noisy days of having little ones…I say I will believe it when I see it! *wink*) Where are the places that you feel lonely, and who do you run to in those moments? Facebook friends? A Twitter stream? Or our ever-present, God of all comfort?
Where do you turn in the lonely moments?
Let’s chat about it in the comments!
Published January 1, 2012
