By Victoria Kiker
I Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
Spring is in the air! This is one of my favorite times of the year. The trees as they begin to bud, the flowers blooming, the smell of spring rain and freshly cut grass feels as though the world is waking up from a long sleep. New, vibrant life after a dark, cold winter is truly a welcome friend. Even as a young girl, I thoroughly enjoyed the first flowers of spring. Flower crowns of buttercups and clover and dandelions displayed in mason jars were childhood treasures.
Spring in all its wondrous glory can also bring with it a lot of work. I guess I’m getting older now (although I’m not inclined to admit it) and questions like, “Have you planted your garden yet?” or “What did you plant this year?” are now part of my conversations. I enjoy our garden very much. Even though I understand all the work that will go into keeping it groomed and growing, the harvest at the end of summer is worth it all.
I recently began to study the life and work of the bee. More specifically, the worker bee. Here is one of God’s creatures that KNOWS how to work. They are even labeled as “the workforce of the colony.” I began to compare the life of a worker bee to that of a wife and mother. I found the similarities very thought provoking. I hope you will too. Let’s take a look, shall we?
Did you know that all worker bees are female? Their main responsibilities are to gather nectar and food for the hive, nurse and care for the young bees, clean the hive, protect the hive, guard the hive entrance, and maintain the proper climate within the hive. I almost laughed at the irony. “Busy little bee” is quite an appropriate term, is it not? As a wife and mother our responsibilities at times may seem endless, the hours we put in long. But we must remember that each of these responsibilities, although burdensome at times, are indeed a blessing from God.
Job #1 - Gather nectar and food for the hive.
Are we gathering enough nectar of God’s Word to sustain not just ourselves but that of our children as well? Mama, I know it can be hard, but get in your Bible. You need it; your family needs it for spiritual survival. Mama, “be ye stedfast…your labour is not in vain.” (Psalms 19:10 and Psalms 119:103)
Job #2 - Nurse and care for young bees
Any nursing mamas out there? I get it! I have experienced days where it felt like all I had accomplished on that day was twelve nursing sessions. I LOVED nursing my babies, but there were times when wiping bottoms, homeschooling, and cooking with a nursing infant attached to me felt overwhelming. There are still days where it seems I barely clean up from one meal before beginning another. Iam trying my best to savor these moments; reminding myself that there could be no babe to nurse, no boys whose muddy clothes I wash or bellies I fill. I am indeed blessed! Mama, “be ye stedfast…your labour is not in vain.”
Job #3 - Clean the hive
Physically our homes have to be cleaned and maintained daily. But more importantly, our hearts must also be cleansed of sin. There is a daily need for repentance. Have you spoken a harsh word to your husband or child? Ouch! Had a bad attitude about the endless amount of work you can never seem to accomplish? Wasted precious time on gossip or (gasp) your phone? Mama, “be ye stedfast…your labour is not in vain.”
Job #4 - Protect and guard the hive
In today’s world, there are so many dangers in and around our homes that may seem so innocent. Mama, be on guard! The worker bee is equipped with five eyes. She is very aware of her surroundings at all times. Are we? Do we look at our homes with wide, open eyes, or is it easier to ignore that little thing that could potentially destroy our families? Protect your home, your husband, and your children. More than likely, we all know most of what goes on inside our homes. But we should know exactly what our children watch, listen to, and engage in. It is our God-given job to protect them and yes, it is WORK. But what greater work could you accomplish? Mama, “be ye stedfast…your labour is not in vain.”
Job #5 - Maintain the proper climate within the hive
We have all heard the saying, “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” Sad, but oftentimes this is true. How is your attitude and spirit today? I am responsible for my attitude, my demeanor, my countenance. Me. I am responsible. If I want a pleasant, cheery home with smiling faces around, then I must be just that. Let’s make a home that our children long to come back to. A home where the best memories are made. A home where mom was not a hot mess with only annoyance and aggravation in her every tone. A happy, holy home with a happy, holy mama. Mama, “be ye stedfast…your labour is not in vain.”
The life cycle of the bee is very short, only 5-6 weeks in the summer. Ironically, they usually die from exhaustion. Although their lifespan is short, they are necessary for the hive’s existence. Often overlooked, they play a large role in the survival of the colony. You may feel overlooked, dying from exhaustion, but remember, you are necessary. Dear mama, you are essential for the spiritual survival and success of your home. Scripture tells us in James 4 :14 that our life is “even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
The precious days we have with our families are so short, so fleeting. Make them worth it! Mama, “be ye stedfast…your labour is not in vain”!