The Best Thing a Mama Can Do for Her Family

When I had three children under the age of three — they were 2, 1, and a newborn — my spiritual mentor told me that the best thing I can do for my family is grow in personal holiness. This has stuck with me since then, though to be honest, at the time it felt like something beyond my capacity.

“Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” (John 21:18)

I was 29 back then, but I felt like the “old” one in that verse.

I loved my children with all my heart. But I was overwhelmed and exhausted by the never-ending needs falling on me day and night, not to mention the sleepless nights with a newborn.

And yet, God draws so much good from the hard seasons of suffering in our lives. That was true for me, too.

My prayer life became a grounding source of peace and comfort — a breath of fresh spring air in a season that otherwise felt like a long, dark winter. (I should also note that I was dealing with postpartum depression at the time.)

There were moments when I felt guilty telling the children, “Not right now — I’m having prayer time,” or putting on an afternoon show so I could step away to pray.

But that advice from my mentor lifted that guilt. It gave me permission to prioritize my time with God before everything else.

Now, three more children and nearly a decade later, I can tell you with certainty:

The very best thing you can do for your family is grow in personal holiness.

Because when you do, it is really the life of God expanding within you.

And the more you receive Jesus, the more you can give Him to others — especially your children.

Pax, Mama 🤍

Elizabeth