‘Just’ a Stay-At-Home Mum…
Guest article by Louise Williamson
“You’re just a stay-at-home mum; what do you do all day?”
I could feel an angry retort jumping into my mouth as I was asked this question by a male houseguest who was staying with us. My poor husband looked like a deer in headlights, wanting to run, but stunned in place. I swallowed the sinful response that danced on my lips, smiled, and walked away. My husband and our guest were leaving for a long day of outreach, while I remained at home caring for the children. Even though our guest had left for the day, his question remained, running constantly in my mind as I went about the numerous tasks that filled our home. As a stay-at-home mum, I was caring for a baby who was busy trying to walk and who needed constant attention to stop her from tottering into danger, and a three-year-old who was often the source of the aforementioned peril.
I have been in the young children stage for over twelve years. My house now has three children, aged 12, 10, and 7. We have gone through many stages, and my life at home has always been busy. But somehow, I can still hear that question when I see my husband go off to do the important work of evangelism. As I hear the stories of people he has talked to, and read the emails from people who have been affected by the work he does, I’m left to wonder, what do I do all day? What impact am I having for the kingdom of God when I break up what feels like the hundredth fight for the day, or answer yet another request for a snack? What good could I possibly be doing for the kingdom of God?
I have heard some in evangelistic circles discourage people from marriage and children, stating it takes away from the important work of evangelising. But when I look at the three children God has given me, I’m reminded of the following quote by John Wesley:
“I learnt more about Christianity from my mother than from all the theologians in England.”
Being a mother gives you an amazing opportunity to minister and care for the little people who look to you for everything. The things you teach your children will follow them throughout their whole lives.
Deuteronomy 6:7 declares that we should use our time to teach our children the Word of God, as what we teach our kids not only affects them but also impacts the world they go out into as adults. The teaching of our children influences the people they’ll meet, the jobs they choose, and the families they raise. A mother has an amazing multi-generational opportunity for evangelism!
Over the years, I have found the following resources helpful as I seek to influence my children for the Kingdom of God:
Music – Children, especially young children, learn so much through song. We have used songs in our home and on car trips to help the children learn about God. Some of my personal favourites are Colin Buchanan, Buddy Davis, and Sovereign Grace Kids.
Reading – We love books, and we have read Bible stories and devotionals to our kids from the time they were babies. The books have changed and developed as the kids grow, but some of my favourites over the years include: God’s Little Guidebooks, The Beginners Bible, The Ology, and The Big Picture Interactive series.
Catechism – We have used the Catechism for Boys and Girls since my oldest was three. We have found that these simple questions have given them a good basis for understanding key biblical truths.
Posters – I love putting posters on the wall for the kids. We home-educate, so our school area is already covered with math facts and maps. But I love putting up posters for the kids to look at each day and be reminded of things from the Bible. I vary the posters from time to time, but there is always one up for the Ten Commandments; which is great for pointing to when the kids are being naughty and reminding them what God thinks of their sin.
Church - This probably seems obvious, but I know when children are little, it can be hard going with them to church. When my oldest was little, he was challenging to keep quiet in church. I spent many a service spending more time outside than in! It is also extra challenging when your husband is preaching and isn’t able to help with the children, and you feel like everyone is watching you. I remember wondering if it was really worth going when I didn’t seem to hear any of the service. But it is worth it as you are teaching your children that Sunday is special, and that church is important, even if you are doing it from the foyer!
Mothers, be encouraged in your important work of evangelising the precious souls God has placed in your care. The work of teaching them about Jesus is no less important than the work of preaching at an evangelistic meeting; in fact, who knows what plans God may have for that child in your home to reach future generations. May we make much of Jesus in our homes.