As a wife and homeschooling mom, I find that much of my service to God revolves around serving my family. I love teaching kids’ Bible classes and am thankful that I am able to participate in that at the congregation my family attends. I also love being able to encourage others, which usually comes in the form of a conversation and often just by listening. When I was starting my motherhood journey, my understanding of service to God was a bit different. I looked at others and saw all they did in the congregation–many of them moms as well–and wondered what was wrong with me. Why couldn’t I juggle all the things? Frequently, I felt as if I should be doing more and I didn’t view my primary tasks of being a wife, mother, and teacher as service to God.

I’m in my late 40s now, and it’s an interesting and magical time. It ushered in a transition to a new season of life as a mom of four–two of my children are now adults. When I envisioned this time I thought that surely as my children got closer to adulthood service to God would look different for me. Of course I’d be able to take on more things outside my primary roles as wife and homeschool mom because I’d have less children at home and my children still at home wouldn’t be babies. Motherhood hasn’t worked that way for me. I do serve outside my home but it is miniscule compared to what I now see as the service to God I do inside my home.

My perspective has changed. I see my roles as wife, mom, and teacher differently now, in part because I have two adult children. Having been able to be alongside my older son and daughter as they grew from infants to adults has given me a greater appreciation for the service that happens in the home. In this season of my life, service to God for me is prayer, giving guidance and support to others, creating a legacy, and self-care. Each of these lead me into deeper connection and dependence on the Lord. As each of these concepts is explored, Paul’s letter to the Philippians will serve as a guide. 

“…always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer…And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:4, 9-11 CSB 

Making an effort to be consistent in prayer has been the biggest game changer for me. I am definitely not perfect, but I am continually striving to build regular prayer habits. Journaling my prayers allows me to speak about what is in my heart more thoroughly. I am able to show thankfulness to God, praise him, grow in faith, and deepen communication with him. I especially love prayer journaling because I can look back and see God’s providence in my life. My faith and trust in him is strengthened because I have even more evidence that he is ever present and working in my life. Prayer also gives me the opportunity to serve others by going to God on their behalf. This is especially true with my children. Since before they were born I prayed for them to know, love, and obey God, and I still pray for that. But in this new season of having adult children, prayer has given me peace in letting go as they begin to navigate life on their own. 

“If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4 CSB 

Serving God by offering guidance and support to others is one that has increased for me in recent years. Listening to others, encouraging them, and giving godly advice when asked will go a long way in making someone feel loved, valued, and remembered. The simple act of making time for another person can affect them beyond the response that is seen in the moment. It reflects the love, patience, and compassion of Christ, can lead to a soul being saved, and is greatly pleasing to God.

I cherish the opportunities where I am able to serve someone in this way, especially with my husband and children. I find that serving in this way fortifies intimacy and trust in my marriage and deepens the love and vulnerability between my husband and myself. For my children, serving in this way builds their confidence within themselves and their openness with me. As my children benefit from my guidance and support, they are strengthened to go and do the same for others and show Christ to those around them. 

“Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. Therefore, let all of us who are mature think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you. In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained. Join in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and pay careful attention to those who live according to the example you have in us.” Philippians 3:12-17 CSB 

Creating legacy is a powerful way to serve God and can persist from generation to generation. By legacy I mean as it pertains to loving the Lord, obeying him, and knowing that the best life can only be had in relationship with him. I try to model for my children (and I have failed many times) the actions, attitudes, and speech befitting a follower of Christ. One of the things I’ve prayed about the most is that they will choose to become Christians, and they will not fall away. I’m not referring to the normal ebbs and flows we experience in this walk, but to turning their backs on the Lord. I never want them to think they can do life without God.

I strive to show them the love of Christ in my interactions with them and with their dad. This could look like a Bible lesson during school time or talking about God whenever, being a godly partner to their father, treating my family and others with love, respect, and gentleness, and not being afraid to tell others about the salvation found in the Lord. These are the actions and attitudes I want them to cultivate in all their relationships, whether they are with family, friends, colleagues, or strangers. In this way, the reverence of God that I try to pour into my children will live on long after I am gone and touch the lives of others, ultimately giving service to God. 

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:4-8 CSB 

Self-care is something that I have embraced of late, and I am convinced that it is a necessary way for me to serve God. If I don’t take care of myself spiritually, physically, and mentally I cannot be my best for anyone, and most importantly for God. I have to feed my soul with His word, feed my body through nutrition, exercise, and hydration, and feed my mind through rest, avoiding unnecessary stress, sleep, hygiene, having a creative outlet, and a positive attitude. This also includes making time to prioritize my closest human relationship–the bond I share with my husband.

If taking care of the body and soul that God has entrusted to me is not a primary concern, then my ability to serve is hindered. With age it is even more apparent to me when I am slacking on self-care. I sense it in my body and notice it in my temperament. Making sure there are times when my children can observe me studying the Bible and praying, giving attention to my health, getting the alone time that I need, pursuing my creative interests, and spending time with their dad show them an example of self-care to emulate. 

This season of life is an emotionally turbulent one for me. I am letting go and holding on, worrying and at peace, excited and apprehensive, exhausted and exhilarated. As I cling to the familiarity of parenting my younger daughter and son, I am learning how to parent adults. The type of service has not changed much, but the way I serve has. Prayer, guidance and support, creating legacy, and self-care are my focus during this stage of my life. Although I am mostly concentrating on serving in these ways in my home, the ripple effect is undeniable. These things, when done for others, can bring them closer to knowing and obeying the Lord and influence the people in their lives to do the same. Service to others is service to God. 

 

About the author: LaTeisha Williams lives in Tennessee with her family and worships at Estes church of Christ. She has been a homeschooler for 15 years. You can usually find her being creative in the kitchen, spending time with her family, or relaxing with a cup of tea. LaTeisha loves to visit new places and learn new things.