Motherhood - one part of a whole

"While motherhood is a privilege that offers great joys and great challenges, it is important to remain clear about the fact that motherhood is one part of a whole life lived for kingdom purposes." (Ruth Haley Barton)

This is such an incredibly significant insight. Motherhood is only ONE part of a whole life lived for Kingdom purposes. At least, it better be. God sees it that way. So ought we.

Some would have it that, "This is how God created you and it is your purpose for existing." My whole purpose for existing? You've got to be kidding. I really have read this in many different forums (whether Christian devotions, articles, sermons, books) -- and it has made me choke on my own spit.

If I'm a woman and don't marry and don't have babies, then what? If I'm married and can't have babies, then what? Isn't my purpose for existing to worship God and draw in other worshippers?

On reading some of the connotations of what motherhood ought to be (according to hierarchicalists), my refusal to fall prey to these restrictions has, sadly --for awhile, meant an aversion toward motherhood. There's been a bit of a wholesale rejection of motherhood, on my part, from the dread of being perceived merely as a Womb and Caretaker. If that's all I'm gonna be, then I don't wanna be that. Of course, there's so much foolishness in this extremist reaction. Just because I don't believe it is the (only) calling (for my life) doesn't mean that it can't be a calling (one of many) in my life. I can enjoy the privilege of motherhood without having to also endorse the hierarchical propaganda that this is my only purpose for existing. I can be a mom and a minister at the same time. I can love my children and they don't have to be the center of my world. Christ can keep that place. And the revolution can still take place.