Bookends

One of my heroes of the faith is Susannah Spurgeon, wife of Charles Spurgeon who served as pastor at London's Metropolitan Tabernacle in the 1800's.  My favorite story---and the one that has impacted me the most profoundly over the years---tells how Spurgeon's ministry was thriving, yet he was concerned that he might be neglecting his young family at home.  He returned home unexpectedly one evening.  When he arrived, he discovered the house calm and quiet.  As he went up the stairs, he heard the voice of his wife praying with their children, naming them one by one.  As he heard her heart and witnessed the love in their home, Spurgeon thought, "I can go on with my work.  My children are well cared for."  ("God's High Calling for Women ~ John MacArthur)

Throughout my brief 16 years of motherhood, recollecting this story has put wind in my sails and a vision in my heart.  There were many times, early in motherhood, when I sometimes (ok, often) grew resentful of the things I seemingly "couldn't" do.  It sometimes felt like I was stuck with little people who neither understood nor appreciated my obvious "sacrifice."  Yes, motherhood shone a light on my long-neglected selfishness.  It wasn't pretty, to say the least. 

I'm so thankful that, early on, God broke in and convicted my heart.  He gave me a passion for my own children; a contentedness at home; a heart and a vision for the ministry that takes place here.  My husband and I are one.  We're equal.  But He's given us different spheres of influence.  He showed me that, in gladly discipling and shepherding our own boys in our home, I was freeing my husband to do ministry outside of our home.  My joy and satisfaction at home (or lack thereof) has a significant impact on my husband's ability to serve outside of it.  And somehow, in gladly embracing my role in caring for our home and family, I'm contributing large.  As Elizabeth George eludes, in filling and freeing my husband to serve without guilt, his service "out there" is my contribution--my gift--to society. 

What joy!  What satisfaction!  What beauty! 
What an amazing God that strategically created us to be bookends that work together, compliment one another, and bring glory to the gospel. 

"Her husband is known in the gates

when he sits among the elders of the land."

Proverbs 31:23