Being a mom is one of the hardest—yet most fulfilling—jobs out there. From running the household to making sure all the teeth are brushed to communicating the truths of the gospel to your family, you are doing worthy and noble things! Yet, in the midst of all that hard work and devotion, it’s easy to feel like all the unfolded laundry and unmade grocery lists will never end. (This might be true, though.)

Regardless of the burdens you carry, you deserve to feel honored and appreciated on today of all days, so here are the ways that you (and your family!) can help take care of the woman of the house.

Her Children Call Her Blessed

Can you imagine what your life would be like without your mom? She does so much, from waking up early to make sure things are taken care of to seeing that you have all that you need to start the day strong for tomorrow. Your mom is amazing!

Proverbs 31:28 says, “Her children rise up and call her blessed.” Tell Mom how much you love and appreciate her for the person she is. Then, ask yourself, “How can I start the day by honoring Mom for all that she does for us?” Whether it’s by making her a card, tidying up without being asked, or by helping out in the kitchen, you can communicate the blessing that she is with more than just your words!

The Heart of Her Husband Trusts in Her

Proverbs 31 beautifully details the wife of noble character, and I’m certain that you can find so much of your wife within this passage! Verse 11 writes, “The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good.” Here are two ways for you to demonstrate that trust and appreciation for all that your wife does on your family’s behalf.

Exemplify sacrificial love as you help bear her burdens.

Your wife does a lot and probably doesn’t ask for help as often as she could. She may not know how to delegate the load that she carries, and you may even feel like she does a better job at it anyway. But remember: by carrying your wife’s burdens, you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). Show her how grateful you are for all that she does by taking over some of the responsibilities that would typically fall on her (laundry, meal prep, or homework, just to name a few). Give her the opportunity to sleep in or to take a couple of life-giving hours for herself. It’ll make a world of difference!

Affirm and encourage her in love.

Use your words to show your appreciation and to uplift your wife who serves the family in so many selfless ways. Ephesians 4:15-16 tells us that by “speaking the truth in love,” we as the body of Christ are growing up into Him and thus building ourselves up in love. Let these words be true of your marriage, which demonstrates that image of Jesus and His bride! You can communicate the truth of the gospel to her in a way that she will feel and that the rest of your family—and the world—can tangibly witness. You can do this verbally or by writing down simple reminders to stick around the house. Remind her of all that she means to you. The simplest affirmations and encouragements will speak life into the woman who does so much!

Don’t Forget, Self-Care

Mom, this is a hard one because the amount of work you do is literally never done. But this is all the more reason to relinquish control for just a short amount of time! This could mean allowing yourself to take a mid-day nap or scheduling out time to invest in a life-giving activity so that you can feel refreshed afterward. You’re not a bad mom for needing some time for yourself. Jesus commanded the apostles to find a remote place to rest in Mark 6:31. Let Him say the same to you!

Remember you can’t do it all.

Try as we might, the weight of the world is too much for us. But the Lord in His infinite mercy has provided a community of believers for us, that we may walk in fellowship alongside others who will heed the call to meet us in the midst of our need. It’s by design that the Body of Christ must lean on one another as we run the race set before us. Don’t be afraid to let others in, to unburden yourself in dialogue, or to simply ask for help. Allow your brothers and sisters to “serve one another through love” like we are commanded to do in Galatians 5:13. In allowing that space for Christian fellowship and service, you will be walking in obedience to the God who desires for your soul to be refreshed and strength to be renewed.

Know your limits and rejoice in them!

Your strength is not unlimited or inexhaustible. You’ve no doubt felt its exhaustibility for yourself. Fortunately, the Lord has never called us to cling to our own devices as we fight for our families and their wellbeing. “‘Not by strength or by might, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord” in Zechariah 4:6. He has not left you on your own to serve your household and those around you. Rejoice in your need for God’s strength! Remember that He has given you all that is required for life and godliness. Allow His power to reign over the things you cannot control. It is there in the surrender that true, divine strength will be found.

Mom, you deserve more than just one day of recognition for all that you do for your family. The seeds you are sowing as you invest in your children and church will matter not only now, but in eternity, too. Remember to give yourself grace and to allow others to walk alongside you and extend the same grace to you. Proverbs 11:16 writes that a gracious woman gains honor, and that is our prayer for you this Mother’s Day.