You’ve probably noticed by now that I rarely blog about the specifics of my vocations in life. It’s not because I don’t have them, and it’s not because I don’t rejoice in them. It’s simply that I am wary of suggesting that your barren life should look anything like mine. God gives each of us different neighbors to serve in life, and there is no sense in comparing.

(That, and the temptation to over-define God-given vocation as purpose can be too overwhelming.)

Yet, there are moments when my joy in my barrenness is such that I have trouble not waxing on all things vocational with you, so if you would indulge me for a few sentences…

Do you know what I love about being barren? I get to be a mother of mothers. God keeps putting more and more of them in my life. These beautiful, hard-working, self-sacrificing, sleepless women keep showing up on my humble path, and I get to serve them. I get to listen to them, nurture them, encourage them, comfort them, cook for them, clothe them, offer them hospitality, render them retreats, take them out for dinner, sing with them, dry their tears, watch their children, do their laundry, clean their bathrooms and floors, invite them over for coffee or tea, play with them, and commend them to my Father in Heaven in prayer.

What a beautiful thing it is to be barren of children but a mother of mothers!