This last Sunday, my daughter's Sunday school teacher, Mrs. Ashley, had the kids write down their greatest "treasures" in life. Rebekah drew a photo of our family (and the dog of course). It was precious and reminded me that my children are also a treasure to my husband and I- given from the Lord's hand.

I have a friend who often says, "My children are God's gifts." She struggles just like all of us mamas do at times- but she lives this truth out daily in her life. My children are gifts given to me from God, and they are His. I hold them with my palms open. I continually entrust them to his care because I know there's only so much I can do in my own strength.

A treasure is something of great value and worth in our life. We know that any treasure we might find is rare so we guard it with all our being. We prize it. We prioritize it. We protect it. We don't take it for granted and live as if the treasure doesn't really matter to us. We consider it always.

Many people go to great lengths and sacrifices for treasures. Perhaps that's why in motherhood, we often do the same even when we're beaten down and exhausted at the end of the day. Because we love our children and want what's best for them.

When you're questioning, "Why?" "What are you doing, Lord?" "Why did you choose me?" "What is all this for anyway?" "Will my hard work even pay off?" ... Remember you're dealing with treasures that are of great worth in the sight of God and your work is not in vain.

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him." - Psalm 127:3

Read more from Samantha in her book, Quiet Time: A 30-day Devotional Retreat for Moms in the Trenches