Beatitudes for SAHMs-1

Beatitudes for 'Stay at Home Moms' (part 1)

Christian Moms are very familiar with the beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. But, have we ever really looked at them in relation to our daily jobs?

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (NIV) Matthew 5:3

Well, what SAHM has never been poor in spirit? The Amplified Bible uses the words the humble, and those who rate themselves insignificant... that adds a new perspective doesn't it? While there have been days when I have been sick or worried over the finances and I would definitely call my myself "poor" in spirit - most days this just doesn't fit. But I can identify with humble or rating myself insignificant on many days.

I think about the days when I don't get a shower. Or the days when I need to run to the store, trying to corral an active toddler, wearing blue jean shorts and my "Mom's Barn Mom's Rules" t-shirt, and I run into an old friend who is just getting off work. There she stands in her neatly pressed skirt and blouse, full make-up, freshly cut hair... those days I definitely feel "poor" in spirit. Sound familiar?

And then there are the times that I look at the clock and it is 5:00 p.m. I survey my surroundings and see a jumble of toys, dishes begging to be washed, and laundry in the process of being washed/dried/folded - or wrinkling into permanent creases in the laundry basket. I have to sigh and wonder, what did I DO all day? Boy, those are the days when I feel "poor" in spirit - rating myself as insignificant.

Fortunately there is another side to what Jesus had to say here. " ....theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Sounds pretty good to me! The NIV Study Bible commentary states that, "The kingdom is not something earned. It is a gift more than recompense." This, of course, refers to salvation and the gift which we cannot earn, but is given to us through Christ Jesus.

But, lets look at the daily application of this part of the verse. Being a SAHM is a challenging, tiring, often thankless job. It takes a long time to "hit your stride" as a SAHM - to get used to not having that tangible reward you used to get - be it a paycheck, a pat on the back, a satisfied customer. But if we look closely, we can see rewards, on a daily basis that outshines all of these tangible rewards.

The sight of a baby or toddler sleeping peacefully, safe and warm. The tiny fistful of dandelions handed as a bouquet of beautiful flowers to a special Mommy. Peanut butter and jelly kisses, the crayon drawing, the words "I did it myself!" and the pride glowing in that shining face. The smell of a child after a bath. The words, "I love you Mommy."

Can anything we could possibly earn outweigh the immeasurable value of these kinds of rewards? I believe God allows us these "glimpses" at the kingdom of heaven on a daily basis. These, just like salvation, cannot be earned, they are given as a gift - not as a repayment for anything we have done. After all, what Toddler would walk up to their Mommy and say - "Here Mom! I picked some dandelions for you to pay you for making my breakfast." It isn't going to happen, first of all, and secondly, the gift would not be so sweet if it was attached to some task we performed.

Yes, being a SAHM has its challenges, and we can definitely fall prey to being "poor" in spirit. But on those days when we are at our wits end, and we are reminiscing about the money we had when we were "working" - take a moment and close your eyes. Take a deep breath and open them. Now, look around and see if you can catch a glimpse of "the kingdom of heaven" - it may very well be right in front of you!


About the author:

Cheryl is a SAHM to her three year old daughter. She worked as a nursing home administrator for 8 years before her promotion to 'Stay At Home Mommy.' She loves being a homebody, sewing, needle arts, scrap-booking and raising her daughter. Cheryl believes that SAHMs don't get enough support or encouragement in this day of two income families.

[ by Cheryl Novak, Copyright 2000 ]