Recently, I had the privilege of writing a blog post for Gather Women on the theme of motherhood.  It is up on their blog today. It was 25 years ago that Cathie Ostapchuk, the Co-Founder and Lead Catalyst of Gather Women played piano at my wedding! I remember asking her to play Sunday Morning Suite by Frank Mills.   Frank Mills was played in our home not only on the piano but likely on a record player or tape cassette. Something about his piano playing resonated with me and I chose that song! I am grateful that Cathie willingly played so beautifully for my special day! Now, here we are connecting in another unique way! Be sure to visit Gather Women to be encouraged.

More on Cathie!

Cathie Cathie is Co-Founder and Lead Catalyst of Gather, a national movement which exists as a catalyst to connect, equip and mobilize women in Canada for leadership influence. She is a published author of Brave Women, Bold Moves, Choosing Courage in a Culture of Conformity, and was awarded the Best Christian Living book award from The Word Guild. Cathie co-hosts the HerInfluence Podcast and is a national speaker for Leader Impact. Cathie is focused on developing the leaders of today and tomorrow. She can be found at cathieostapchuk.com

 

 

Why we Serve

 

Not long ago one of my kids cleaned a bathroom and commented later that no one had even noticed. I knew she worked hard and told her I could relate! Promptly reminding our kids God sees and knows our actions is a valuable lesson; often one we need to speak to ourselves. We are not always acknowledged for what we do. Many times, the daily work of a mom is unknown. Loading, unloading, preparing, folding and putting away. It is easy to become discouraged. I love in Hebrews 6 we are told that He will not forget what we do, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (v.10). This is a beautiful promise for weary moms. God hears our numerous wordless prayers and knows our deepest hopes. We serve our family because He came to serve,

“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt 20:28 NIV).

It’s in the unseen places of motherhood God’s purposes and plans are revealed. Through unnoticed service or forgotten sacrifice God whispers the promise, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).  With this promise impressed upon our heart, whatever stage we are currently in, we can find rest in our God-given role as a mom. Actively living and believing He will never leave us acts as a fragrant offering to our heavenly Father! Recently, in the stillness of the night, the song by Bill and Gloria Gaither, Because He Lives came to mind. I knew there was a purpose to this moment and woke the next day singing it around my home. The song surrounded me and lifted my spirits, soothing pending worry of the state of our world and the effects on my family. They wrote this beautiful song 5o years ago just before their third baby was due. Based on John 14:19, the words in the song express although in uncertain times, we can face tomorrow because He lives, “Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.” The Gaithers knew that holding onto Christ was the best assurance while raising a family, and so can we. Setting our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2) even with the needs of our family pressing in around us, will guide as we lay down our needs for their sake. May the words of this song spill over into your heart and flow into your home.

It is because He lives, we can be a mom while serving and sacrificing with love.
Remembering God carries us through the unseen moments and is a truth to believe and behold, often the difference maker to our day. We can sacrifice because He sacrificed for us. If we serve and sacrifice without love we are, “…only a resounding gong or clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1). Perhaps there is a time to be a ‘gong’ or ‘cymbal’ when waking a sleeping teen, however the sounds in our homes can be harmonious while surrounded in love. When we hold onto the truth we serve a living Saviour, we are able to share His love freely and fully. Leaning into the Word daily, going before God in prayer equips us to serve, sacrifice and love because He first loved us.

“We love because he first loved us” (1John 4:19).

 

Thank you for the opportunity Cathie!

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