This is my first piece written for Sallie’s Carnival of Beauty at Two Talent Living — if she’ll allow me to participate. I’m so thrilled to discover another soul out there who loves inspiring others to write. I feel like a student who’s been assigned an essay by a teacher. But since I don’t have to worry about red ink or grades, writing an essay is FUN! Our topic this week is “The Beauty of Giving.”

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about a man who owns a convenience store near my house — he always exhibits a cheerful attitude, despite having to put in 16-hour days, with no vacation. He said his schedule now is actually much easier than it used to be — since he’s no longer working 22 hours a day. He used to work day shift at one job and night shift at another. He kept up this manic schedule for 12 years so he could save up money to buy the store.

He worked those unbelievably long hours in order to support his family. His wife and two school-aged children sometimes help him in the store.

When I heard about how hard this man works, it made me feel convicted about my attitude as a mother. Lately, I’ve been complaining in my heart about how much work I have to do in raising my family. It seems like someone is always tugging at my sleeve or crying my name. No matter how many hours I put into keeping up, there’s always another milk spilled, another cheerio crushed beneath a foot, another load to wash.

Many of us are surprised by the round-the-clock obligation mothering demands. We give all we have, and yet we still must reach further into our hearts and give more. How many of us played with dolls when we were young girls and dreamed of a wedding, marriage, and a baby carriage? It all seemed rosy and charming.

Yet for some of us, the weeks of sleepless nights with a newborn left us in a gray fog of overwhelming depression. “Why am I so tired?” we ask ourselves. “Why can’t I get anything done?”

As our family began to grow with each new child added, I prayed for God to give me strength to endure. And it’s still my prayer, especially as I approach the busy Christmas season. I’m a strong-willed person, but I’ve reached a point where I can’t get through one day without seeking help from Christ through prayer and His word.

When people see me with my grocery cart full of children, they stop and ask, “How do you do it?” My answer used to be something like, “Well, my older kids help me out” or “Oh, I’m hanging in there.” That wasn’t telling the truth. Now I say, “Jesus. I can’t get through a single day without Jesus.” It’s been amazing how many people open up to me when I say that — and they begin to tell me their own spiritual quests.

So, in my role of round-the-clock mom, I seek to have a beautiful, quiet spirit that gives without expectation of receiving. I love reading books and now blogs by other women who have made the discovery that God can indeed supply their every need during this endeavor. Jesus says to us worn-out moms, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28, 30 NIV).

Have you taken Him up on His offer today? He doesn’t stop at only working the day shift; his job never ends. And He wants to listen to you. He’s put you in this demanding role so that you can bring Him honor and glory through serving Him.

Even us stubborn moms who think we can handle things on our own — when we reach a point where we realize we can’t, He’s waiting for us. His giving knows no end. And through Him, we can find the energy and love to give a little bit more…always a little bit more.