I’ve always struggled with change. I’ve had painful circumstances thrust on me in the past few weeks, requiring me to adapt.
Our lives amount to a series of choices. Some are monumental: Asking Jesus into our hearts, whom we marry, whether we have children. Others can be altered: our jobs, where we live, what car we drive. There are day-to-day choices that determine our quality of life, too: what we eat and drink, whether we exercise, how long we sleep, how we spend our leisure time.
I’ve been thinking a lot about jobs lately. In every job I’ve had, I was eminently replaceable. There’s one exception: my job as a mom. My family would be changed forever if I quit this job or passed away. My now teenage kids would never recover completely. They’d survive, but their lives would never be the same. If I died or ran off, my kids would be on their own emotionally, and would have to manage the house. My husband would work, pay the bills, and get groceries. They’d be expected to do everything else, from cooking to washing dishes to doing laundry and mowing the lawn. They help me with these things already, but helping Mom and being responsible for the whole job are two different things.
I’m so glad I take good care of my health and am as cautious as I am. God will take me to heaven when it’s my time. But it’s not my time yet. My kids will have their mama as for many years to come, as long as my choices have anything to do with it.
What makes you irreplaceable? Where are you so important that no one could ever fill your post? As a spouse? A parent? In church? In a service organization? As a pet or livestock owner? Wherever you’re irreplaceable, I guarantee it’s because of the lives you influence.
As I write, my tuxedo cat is spread out on the couch, her left paw covering her eyes. She’s three times the length and weight she was when my son and husband picked her out at The ANNA Shelter in Erie. She was half-starved. It wasn’t the shelter volunteers’ fault. She was the runt of the litter, and her siblings forced her into a corner. Her ribs stuck out and she had an upper respiratory infection. After a round of antibiotics, some booster shots, and unrestricted access to meals three times a day, Amber has plumped up and seems to live every moment to say, “Thank you for rescuing me.”
My kids, while not always as appreciative as my cat (let’s be honest, folks), made me feel invaluable last Friday night. I had a total meltdown in the car after we got groceries. I was famished, exhausted, and cold. I’d spent the entire day rushing from one time-and energy-consuming activity to another. I screamed. I sobbed.
My daughter, who already has a maternal spirit, reminded me that I needed to eat something. She said, “Okay, Mom. This is what you’re gonna do. You’re gonna eat a protein bar, drink a bottle of water, and we’ll take the groceries inside. Stay in the car and rest. We’ll take care of everything.” She and my son took the groceries inside and put them away while I scarfed down my snack.
During my breakdown, my kids peppered me with encouragement: “We need you, Mama.” “You work so hard at home.” “You take me to the doctor.” “You take me to practices and games.”
So if you’re having a rough day, I’d like you to make a list of how you’ve influenced lives for the better. Have you raised or are you raising responsible, loving children? Write that down. Do you love God and serve Him with your whole heart? Have you rescued a pet? Do you tithe? Volunteer anywhere? Write these down.
Now picture the faces of those you’ve blessed. Add these names to the list. Keep it in your Bible, wallet, or purse. Or stick it on your fridge as a reminder of how important you really are.
And always remember that Jesus considered your life worthy of sacrificing His. If that doesn’t give you value, nothing does.
Have a wonderful week. Blessings!