But the point is, I do the same sorts of things every week, every month, every year. It is all rather routine, rather mundane. Sometimes I get frustrated with it all. I have friends who are doing great things with their lives; missionaries to Africa and such. And frankly, I am a little jealous. I want to do something important.
I wonder if Mary ever felt that way. I wonder if she was ever rocking a crying Baby Jesus thinking of all the things she couldn't do with a baby in tow. I wonder if she wiped the tears from his eyes when he skinned his knee and thought, "this is so not a big deal, I could be out saving the world." Did the mother of our Savior ever feel her job was unimportant? I hope not.
And so I am humbled. Not that my children are perfect, or that I am as blessed as Mary, but I am humbled because God has given me the opportunity to raise world-changers. I know there are many great men and women who would not be so great if they did not have a mother to love and teach them, to care for and admonish them.
Next time I have to settle a dispute between siblings, I will remember that perhaps I am raising foreign ambassadors or diplomats. Next time I am trying for the millionth time to teach my five year old his alphabet, I will remember that maybe I am raising a great scholar. Next time I have a conversation with my 8 year old about faith, I will remember that I may be raising a great theologian. Next time I have to rock my crying baby instead of taking part in an adult discussion, I will remember that one day my baby will grow up, and know that he is loved, and have the courage to change the world.
