Let's face it.  There's a lot about parenting that's not glamorous.  For babies, it's changing diapers.  For toddlers it's wiping noses.  There always seems to be something messy or tedious or annoying that requires our attention as parents.

Not only is it not glamorous - it's not fun.  We often lack that sense of accomplishment.  And many times at the end of the day, we don't feel that fulfillment that parenting is supposed to be about.

A couple weeks ago my mother-in-law gave some great insight on how to handle such necessary tasks that sometime seem so tedious.  But first, you'll need to know something about this lovely lady.

For 50 years she has placed her marriage and homemaking at the forefront of her life.  She is meticulous in her housekeeping. She is well-known for her delicious meals.  She regards her role as mother (and grandmother) as especially important.

She is extremely hospitable, and everyone who comes into her home feels welcomed like family. When she opens her home to guests (as she frequently does), they can expect warmth and kindness and a wonderful meal that she has often prepared ahead of time so that she can spend the visiting time with her guests.

Only two weeks ago did she confess something that I would never have guessed.  She mentioned that she did not enjoy cooking.

I was totally surprised.  Every time we visit, she prepares a wonderful meal.  Whereas when I cook, I feel that three dishes on the table is adequate, my mother-in-law often provides five dishes, in addition to dessert and coffee for all.  And these are not simple dishes that I would prepare, but are usually something with a little something extra (like a sauce or seasoning or a special presentation).

In addition, this lovely lady also presents a spirit of joy over being able to share this meal with you.  As a guest at her table, one feels truly welcome.

Perhaps you can see why I was so surprised to learn that she did not really enjoy cooking.  At least, she did not in the early years of her marriage.  She viewed it then as a task that was necessary, and it was her duty to perform.

How did her attitude change?  Here's her secret: She says that she asked God to give her a spirit of joy over the cooking.  She had to do it anyway, she reasoned, and she knew that it was an important task in pleasing her husband and rearing her children.  So she asked God to give her joy when cooking, to take pleasure in seeing others enjoy her cooking, and to feel that sense of fulfillment in filling up the stomachs of her family.

And He did! She reports that she does indeed take great pleasure now in cooking for her family and guests.

Perhaps, then, when we face those tasks of motherhood that we find somewhat distasteful, God may answer that prayer for us as well.

Solomon said that being happy in one's work is a gift of God (Eccl. 5:19).  Next time I run into a task that seems tedious, I'm going to ask Him for that gift.  And I'm pretty sure that He will be pleased to give it. 

 

~ Author Ginia Dible writes on many parenting-related topics, such as motivating children to read and preparing one's students for college.  More about Ginia at www.ginia.name.