Don't Mom Aloneনমুনা

Day Three

When You Need Something to Keep You Going

Scripture: Exodus 16:1-21

During their time in the wilderness, the Israelites were utterly dependent on God to meet their daily needs. He chose to feed them with little flakes of nourishment they gathered each day—manna.

I learned early in my writing career that I couldn’t depend on large chunks of productive time to write. Instead, I needed to take note of the daily manna—the nuggets of wisdom, truth, and encouragement He wanted me to include in my book or blog.

I thought of how this applies to our daily dependence on God in motherhood. How often we think if we don’t have a three-hour quiet time then we shouldn’t bother connecting with God. It was my mentor Leslie who gave me the idea to leave my Bible out on the counter. As I changed diapers and picked up toys, I could read a verse to meditate on for the day. 

We often desire to see big changes in our kids. To be confident that our mothering matters. What if we took a minute to notice the li’l flakes of goodness—the small moves in the right direction. That time he paused before throwing a car at his brother. The moment she reached out for your hand without you asking. A hug between siblings. A simple “I love you, Mommy.” 

When days are long and hard and no li’l flakes can be found, we can ask God, “Lord, what manna do You have for me today? Who do You say that I am? What morsel will You give to keep me going?” 

The key with manna was the Israelites couldn’t gather a bunch one day and store it up for the next couple days. If they tried to, it would spoil. Every day they depended on God. Every. Day. 

You have every right to feel weary. You are a limited human being. But I want to remind you that God is available. He offers His limitless love. His presence and power are as close as your breath. And His soul restoring can be found in intentional rest as we look for manna moments in our day.

What’s a way you could collect “manna” moments in your day? A note in your phone, a journal on the counter, sticky notes? Brainstorm ideas on how to notice the gifts of God’s provision in each day.