The eternal value of small acts – Motherhood as a ministry
It’s Thanksgiving. Which is wonderful, of course, but it can also bring pressure.
As much as we love our extended families, the truth is, being with anyone outside of our nuclear family for any extended period of time can feel stressful.
Even if there’s no family drama. Which there usually is.
This Thanksgiving, perhaps we can focus on the gratitude instead.
You might feel like the little things you do on a daily basis won’t make it onto anyone’s thankfulness list. Maybe your littles are too little to say thank you.
But those “little” daily acts of service are the foundation of your family.
Your ministry to your family might be the single most significant thing you do in your life.
I don’t mean for that to sound depressing – I think it’s actually quite beautiful.
You as a mother have a unique influence in your children’s lives. And in your husband’s. There is no one else who has this influence.
You don’t have to homeschool or spend every waking moment with your offspring.
The fact is that mothers are significant.
The myriad of adults online who lament their own upbringing by an absent, or worse – abusive, mother, can give us a glimpse of just how important this ministry is.
It only takes a minute to look around and find these broken examples. Maybe in your own family tree.
No mother is perfect. I am no exception. Ask my children. They’ll tell you in no uncertain terms.
Our small acts of service to our families, whatever they may be, have eternal impact.
When placed into the hands of an Eternal God, these small offerings are a sweet aroma. And like all offerings, they often require sacrifice. Motherhood truly is a ministry. A mission field.
This Thanksgiving, let us be thankful that the Lord has blessed us as mothers, however we came to be one. It is a sacred calling.
There are many examples in the Bible of a small thing having great impact.
The flour and oil that did not run out. I Kings 17:16
The widow who gave her last coins. Luke 21: 1-4
The boy who shared his meager lunch. John 6:9
God has proven time and again that He will multiply what is given in gratitude.
And he will do the same for you.
Father, thank you for seeing every small act we pour out in love. As we step into this Thanksgiving season, help us notice Your quiet faithfulness woven through our everyday moments. Remind us that nothing done in your name is ever wasted, even when it feels unnoticed.
Give us hearts that serve with joy, hands that offer grace, and eyes that look for your goodness in the ordinary.
Multiply the little we have – our strength, our time, our patience, – and let our homes be filled with peace that only you can give.
We offer this week, this table, and these small acts to you, Lord. May they bring you glory and draw our families closer to your heart.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
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