I was in the middle of doing something that other day when this quote came to my mind  – “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world”.

It came to me so strongly that I took myself away and did some investigation on the quote, because I had heard it before. It actually came from a poem by William Ross Wallace in 1865. This is only two of the verses –

 

What rules the World

Infancy’s the tender fountain,

Power may with beauty flow,

Mother’s first to guide the streamlets,

From them souls unresting grow-

Grow on for the good or evil,

Sunshine streamed or evil hurled;

For the hand that rocks the cradle

Is the hand that rules the world.

 

Woman, how divine your mission

Here upon our natal sod!

Keep, oh, keep the young heart open

Always to the breath of God!

All true trophies of the ages

Are from mother-love impearled;

For the hand that rocks the cradle

Is the hand that rules the world.

 

(Copied from – https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-hand-that-rocks-the-cradle-is-the-hand-that-rules-the-world/)

In reading the many bits of information about the poem, it was clear that the main theme in this poem was this – the person who raises a child determines the character of the child and so therefor influences the type of world that the next generation creates.

We often think that our work does very little. I am not just talking about child rearing. I am talking about all the little things each one of us do every day that makes the difference to the world. I am also referring to those that think that what they do in life does not make a difference.

It is hard for a mum to see that the little job of raising and caring for a child would possibly make a difference. Why would teaching a child to dress, or teach a child manners make a difference in the world? Why would these things place her on the same level as those who are out in the frontline of society? You know, like doctors, Paramedics, Pastors, Evangelists and Prophets.

Why would the man who goes to work every day and provides for his family make a difference? Why would the person who reaches out to someone on the street make a difference?

Are they not also not reaching a soul that will go on to make a difference? Isn’t every soul important?

I don’t think that we acknowledge the differences that we all make, every day.

A few weeks back, I was reading and thinking about the 7 men in Acts that were chosen to distribute food.

“So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them  and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.  They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.”  Acts 6:2-6 NIV (Emphasis mine)

It would not leave my mind and I felt God was telling me something. I was talking to Him about it, because I didn’t understand what it was I needed to know.

I believe He showed me the above poem, so that I could think a little differently to the way I usually think on this bible verse. So, can I ask you something?

Have you ever thought that those “waiting on tables” needed the apostles to lay hands on them and pray for them?

Mmmm… good question!!

Wow! Think about this for a minute or two. Why don’t we lay hands on the mums, the dads, the table waiters, the garbage collectors, the door stewards, and those serving you with a cuppa after church… AND … pray for their ministry and what they do.

Remember that Stephen, one of the Seven chosen for this ministry, became the first one who die as a martyr.

I often get discouraged by the very mundane of my job as a mum. I find that the hundred times I tell my children to help with the dishes or to have manners to be very tiring. I find that the constant cleaning and cooking to be a struggle – some days.  I know my husband must get tired of providing for us every day, and tired of the bills that come in. I know that there are others who wonder if God has overlooked their service for Him and wonder at their job as a door steward or church cleaner.

Be encouraged. Everything you do changes someone’s life.

Back to the poem…. The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. Rocking a baby to sleep is one of the most wearisome of tasks… especially if the child does not want to go to sleep and it is 2 am. Getting a teenager to obey the rules in your house, while teaching them that rules are for their protection, is hard – especially when rebellion oozes out of every pore in their skin. But you are bringing up the next generation of people that will care for the world and the people in it.

Getting up and going to work at 5am is difficult, day in and day out – especially when it isn’t the job you want to do. Loving those at work that tease you and persecute you because of your faith can discourage you and make you want to give up. Praying for your congregation is overwhelming – especially if they want you to leave. But you are reaching the generation that now looks after this world.

That is a pretty fantastic job!! Square your shoulders people, everything you do has the ability to make a difference. You really do – rule the world!

Be blessed.