I abhor the kind of counseling often given to people, where the person presents a problem, and the solution given is simply to distract the person needing the counseling from their actual predicament, by reminding them how much easier a list of unrelated things in their life are. A made-up example: A woman has had a fight with her husband, the woman seeks Godly counsel from a friend, and is told, “Well, at least you have a husband, and at least you are not alone”. Both are true, both are good things to reflect on, and both are in that particular situation things that could soothe and act as a balm for the distraught woman. But…that doesn’t change the fact that she has a problem, and needs a solution to that problem. I preface the post with this, because I fear sounding like the above counselor as I tell you what has been on my heart lately regarding motherhood, being a wife, and all the other tasks I am called to in a day. If you are having serious marital struggles, real difficulties with your disobedient children, or your 5-year-old who is not potty trained, and are feeling at the end of your rope exhausted with life, please don’t think I don’t believe those to be real problems, that need real solutions. I am not floating on an ethereal cloud somewhere, thinking we can just love God and His Word and this means there are no serious practical applications to this love in REAL life.
That being said, I have been struck lately by the simple awe-inspiring blessing of my health, both mind and body. I have full days, there is no doubt about it. I consider it a privilege, and joy, and even more sobering a DUTY to love, nurture, laugh with, play with, teach and instruct my children in God’s Word and in every day life work. But if you have small children, you KNOW, this is sadly never achieved as much as we might desire. A full day often involves simply the “basics” of their needs and the needs of our spouse – laundry, changing diapers, giving baths, cooking meals (3 a day plus snacks!), beds to be made, vacuuming to be done, shopping, errands, phone calls, blogging (oh yeah, it’s a necessity! 
, potty training, etc. And then there are the above things to try to fit into that full day, which are just as important!
While I find this task so utterly difficult and discouraging at times (giving to them spiritually and emotionally as much I do to them physically) I was pondering yet again today (multiple times of pondering = it will probably become a Blog post) the simple fact that I am doing all of these things as a healthy person!
As someone who has known two women with MS who were/are wheelchair bound, who were also mothers to small child(ren), I have to stop and reflect on the fact that while my days are full, and no one would deny that, I hold my children with able hands, not thwarted by disease. I walk with legs which fully function and get tired because of how much I am able to use them! I mother with a mind unaffected by disease that might cause me to need medication or other assistance – I can even thank my Lord that I metabolize food normally, and I do not have severe allergies (nor do my children) making cooking or eating a difficulty! And let’s not forget the other blessings unrelated to our person, of refrigerated air, hot running water readily available, a washer and dryer, and so many other things it would take pages to list them all. As things get difficult, I don’t mean to ignore those difficulties, or pretend I am not in need of God’s grace for so much that is required of me in a day, even strength for the physical exhaustion that I definitely feel pregnant with my third child. But my goodness! May I never take for granted the fact that my bones are not broken, I can chase my children, throw them in the air, interact with them with a sound mind, and have the physical capability to be responsible for all their care! Thank you, dearest Lord. May this be in my heart as I serve my family each day, and may you show Your grace and mercy to those with difficult physical trials to bear. You are merciful.
Sincerely,
Rachel
