A Litany for the Unseen

Katie Flodder reflects on the unseen work of mothers and how it’s a beautiful reflection of God’s glory.

When I saw the positive pregnancy test, my heart skipped a beat. This was it: the moment I was stepping into my new vocation as a mom. I can’t pinpoint the exact moment when I decided I wanted to be a mom; the idea of having a family feels like it’s always been there, quietly rooted in my heart. With the optimism of a first-time mom-to-be, I envisioned waking up each day filled with purpose, ready to shape my kiddos’ hearts and minds — after all, children are the future! 

We enjoy periods in motherhood where things are going pretty smoothly and we might allow ourselves to think, am I finally starting to get the hang of this parenting thing? The Lord, in His kindness, allows us these sweet moments of victory as encouragement along the way. It shores us up and gives us more confidence to handle the harder days that will inevitably come. 

Chaos and Discouragement in Motherhood? You’re Not Alone. 

As the years go by and new challenges start to mount, we journey through seasons of lost optimism. We start to feel the day-to-day hustle weighing a little heavier and doing the same tasks on repeat can feel like it’s not useful, worthy work. The frantic schedules and lack of sleep or free time certainly don’t help. 

If we’re honest, those who had careers prior to motherhood miss the praise from bosses, the camaraderie of coworkers, and the tangible acknowledgement of contribution that a paycheck marks. Working moms can struggle with feeling “less than” at work and home despite tireless effort in both arenas. In our most exhausted, exasperated moments, we are tempted to wonder: What do I have to show for all my work?  

His Glory Is Reflected in the Unseen Works of Motherhood 

Jesus, in His goodness, sees all the goodness in our unseen work. It is not only good work, but it is holy work. God wants to speak purpose into our vocation as moms, and any voice that claims anything other than this is simply not Truth.  

He sees what human eyes do not see; He treasures all the unseen moments as these are the moments that help build His kingdom. He has given you these specific kids, with intentionality and for a purpose. He equipped you for the life you lead — He had a plan for you and your family long before any of us ever drew our first breath. These seemingly small works of motherhood matter, because they are profoundly important to Him and the work of building His kingdom. 

Take a stroll through just about any major city in Europe and you’ll find breathtaking cathedrals that have withstood the test of time. The names of those who built them are largely unknown but that doesn’t make their contributions any less important. Our homes are beautiful cathedrals under construction, and we do the important work of building them brick by brick.

For moms going through a season of feeling like her work is unseen, this is for you: 

A Litany for the Unseen in Motherhood 

Jesus, we thank you for seeing us as beloved daughters and for cherishing our daily work as moms. 

You see the squirming toddlers in the pews, who one day grow up to bring their own wiggly babies to the holy Mass. 

You see the meals made for friends in need, though we could barely find time to feed our own families. 

You see the nights spent pacing the floor cuddling new babies and sick children, forming secure attachments and creating a loving environment.  

You see the stress involved with preparing a continuous cycle of nutritious meals, desiring to nourish our families for their busy days. 

You see the effort involved in completing a family rosary, kids rolling on the floor seemingly inattentive, who one day become saints in their own right. 

You see the invisible mental load of motherhood, and You seek to help us carry that burden. 

Invite us to offer up our work and transform it into a prayer for others. 

Invite us to look at these unseen moments as sacred spaces where You always meet us. 

Invite us to see motherhood as an opportunity to learn to love more like You. 

Jesus, renew our confidence in all the work we do as mothers, anytime we feel unseen. Amen. 

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Katie Flodder
Images: Canva