What Did You Do All Day?

I remember hearing a story once that made me laugh.
A husband came home to find the house in disarray.
Toys were all over the yard and the driveway.
Toys were strewn all over the floor inside the house as well.

His children were still in their pajamas.
Goldfish crackers and Cheerios were sprinkled everywhere the toddler had walked.
Half filled cups of milk and juice were sitting in what looked to be permanent rings on the table.
The kitchen appeared to be a war zone with evidence that the children made their own lunch.

Dirty laundry was tossed haphazardly on the floor.
Dishes were in the sink.
The kitchen floor actually crunched as he walked across it.
The refrigerator was partially open.

The husband grew concerned.
His wife was nowhere in sight.
It was not like her to leave the house the way it now appeared.
Something must be terribly wrong.

Where’s Mommy? He asked the oldest who was trying to pry a Cheerio from the table.
I dunno, was the answer that he did not want to hear.
He ran upstairs fearing the worse.
He rushed into their bedroom.

There she was, in her comfy pants and oversized T-shirt.
She was propped up on multiple pillows.
She was reading a book and sipping a cup of tea.
He did not know what to make of the situation.

Are you OK? He asked wanting desperately to find out what was going on.
I’m fine, she said as she looked at him over her book.
I don’t understand, he said obviously confused.
She put a bookmark in her page and closed the book.

You know when you ask me, ‘What did you do all day?’
Well, today, I didn’t do it! She said looking straight into his eyes.
He looked like the wind was knocked out of him.
It became abundantly clear.

Often it is a matter of perspective.
We feel as if the mundane things we do each day do not matter in the least.
We couldn’t be more wrong.
The small things that we do each day give a semblance of order to the chaos.

A mother loses count of the number of diapers she changes in any given week.
She cannot begin to count the cups of juice she pours.
She knows every book by heart.
She chases away countless monsters from closets and under beds.

She bandages boo-boos and kisses away hurts.
She referees arguments and plays more games of Candy Land than she ever imagined.
She is a certified jump rope turner.
She does not need to lift weights since she carries a baby around on her hip all day.

She is the best swing pusher and monkey bar spotter in the universe.
She is the favored audience for a new rendition of a song performed on the fireplace stage.
She is the best chocolate chip cookie baker.
She is the comfiest pillow for her child’s weary head.

She gives the best back-rubs.
She sings the silliest songs.
She is the family cheerleader.
She is nurse and doctor all wrapped up in one.

An unproductive day happens when her list of things does not get done.
A frustrating day happens every time she turns around and things have run amok.
A wearying day happens when so many things have to be done over for one reason or another.
A bad day happens when she feels like she is just not cut out for this job.

Those feelings are real to her but they are untrue.
She needs a bit of encouragement.
She needs a cheerleader.
She needs to see the big picture when the broken fragments are all she can see.

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. (Proverbs 31: 10-31)

God sees all the mundane things a mother does each day.
They do not go unnoticed.
Strength, dignity, and honor are hers.
As a woman who fears the Lord, she is to be praised.

There will be those days.
There will be frustrations and weariness.
Her value is inestimable.
God knows her worth and He cherishes her.

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2 responses to “What Did You Do All Day?”

1. So true, and a great reminder for each of us, but especially moms in the thick of raising their children.

   Reply

   • Diane,
     We older women need to remind the younger women of the important job they are doing. If they are in Christ, then they are raising the next generation for Him. Young mothers need all the help and encouragement they can get. We once walked where they are now walking.
     Gina

     Reply