The Hidden Years: When Your Ministry is Mostly Snacks
There are seasons of ministry that feel radiant, purpose-filled, and public… like leading worship, teaching Bible studies, or leading music during vacation bible school.
And then there are seasons where your greatest act of spiritual leadership is remembering who likes their sandwich cut into triangles and who demands squares.
Welcome to the Hidden Years—that sacred stretch of life when your primary mission field can be found in your living room (likely covered in Goldfish dust).
These years are rarely glamorous, but they are deeply holy.
When Your Days Feel Small
If you’ve ever whispered, “Is this it?” while vacuuming dried Play-Doh off the floor for the third time this week—just know, you are not alone.
We often think that doing “big things for God” means leaving home, but Scripture nudges us that faithfulness starts at home. Even if no one notices. Even if your “audience” interrupts your morning quiet time by loudly announcing a bathroom emergency.
Let’s not forget: Jesus spent 30 years doing everyday, quiet work before His public ministry began. That's a whole lot of carpentry, table setting, and cleaning up after dinner guests before the miracles ever started.
So, yes—serving mac & cheese and Band-Aids might be more spiritual than you think.
The Snack Ministry
Let’s just be honest: some days your entire life feels like a snack cart with wheels.
You’ve mastered the sacred art of opening granola bars quietly during nap time.
You’ve made peace with the fact that someone will cry over the color of their bowl.
You’ve handed out more crackers than actual life advice lately.
But this, too, is ministry. Really.
Every time you choose patience when your child melts down over nothing, every whispered prayer over a lunchbox, every moment you teach kindness (even through gritted teeth)—you are watering seeds.
Jesus fed people, too. Just saying.
Holy Hospitality (in Pajama Pants)
You might dream of hosting a Bible study with candles and scones and twinkle lights. But for now, hospitality looks like:
Making space in your day for little hearts.
Offering your lap, your hugs, your leftover coffee.
Serving up the Gospel in gentle words and bedtime songs.
Also, maybe one day you’ll host that dreamy women’s night. But for now, your ministry looks like hosting a tea party with stuffed animals and plastic cookies. And heaven still smiles.
📖 Scripture for the Overwhelmed
“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
—1 Corinthians 10:31
Even if it’s packing dinosaur-shaped fruit snacks.
“She looks well to the ways of her household…”
—Proverbs 31:27
She’s not idle, just running entirely on caffeine and prayer.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
—Matthew 25:23
That includes you, sweet mama, showing up day after day with messy hair and a heart full of love.
The Truth You Need to Hear
You are not “just” a mom. You are raising kingdom-builders.
You are not “just” a homemaker. You are creating sacred space for faith to grow.
You are not “just” in the background. You are in the thick of holy work.
Even if your sermon today was simply, “We don’t hit our brother with lightsabers.”
Final Word of Encouragement:
The world may not applaud your ministry of snacks and sippy cups, but heaven absolutely sees it.
So take heart. The hidden years are not wasted. They're holy. And your faithfulness in the quiet will echo into eternity.
You’re doing better than you think.
Even if the laundry isn't folded.