A Christian Mom

I’ve been reminiscing about what it was like to be an expectant mom a lot lately. My oldest daughter is about to graduate from college, my oldest son is about to leave for his journey at college which will leave me with my last three blessings from God at home. The older they become the more this verse rings true..

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ps 127:3). 

I remember going on a car ride with my husband, father to be. We were making a list, I was daydreaming of all I wanted for our children. You know, the sticky sweet, sentimental lists… vacations that I went on, memories I  had as a child.. Dreams of giggles and smiles. But my dreams weren’t even big enough to cover the realities of motherhood! My beloved joked that I went to college to be a mother. But, I learned more on the job that I had ever learned about children in the classroom. And, I never could have truly understood the love of a mother, even though I have an amazing example in my own mom.  The sound of the cry, the sheer sound creates an emotional reaction in my heart every mother that has ever graced the earth.

Mothering is a journey that lasts a lifetime. I can remember times of sheer excitement of seeing her first step, snuggling and her falling asleep in my arms. Was it all sheer joy? Of course not. There were mistakes made, patience lost, times I have had to repent for falling short in the grace department.  But, God gives us grace and forgiveness. He teaches us daily if we are willing to learn.  And it doesn’t end when they are grown. Our hearts will always be attached and devoted even when they are old enough to live their own lives. It is such an amazing joy to see her live her life now as a young woman, devoted to Christ and she is finding her way in the world. We are in transition from mother being in charge and guiding the daughter to mother making a disciple of Christ and mentoring a young woman into independence as she takes on the dreams and purpose of her own life.

I am grateful for my mother. She is still my mom, still mothers me .. she is my mentor and my best friend. She has shown me what it calls to mother for a lifetime and what a Godly Mother is to be. I am rising up to call her blessed.

Children are a blessing, a joy and a heritage. In a day and age that we live that doesn’t value life, that doesn’t see the preciousness of children. They are our future. We must protect and treasure them. We must instill in them knowledge of who they are in Christ. A living understanding of how much the Savior loves them. That He has provided a way for them. He has a purpose for them.

There are times that we might wonder what we did wrong or why our children are making choices that are wrong for them .. that will only bring the pain and heartache. We must be mothers who are not afraid to stand in their place on our knees. We must be mothers who make intercession for them. We must know that He has them in His hands. We must know they are truly His first and we must rest in the knowledge that He would never leave them nor forsake them.  The journey is not always a joy-filled one. Be a mother of faith and stay on your knees!

Teach them well, instruct them to love the Word of God. Guide them in all truth and pray each day. Pray for the Holy Spirit to woo them and guide them to a life believing in the One True God, who made a way for them. Teach them well. The journey is long and filled with joy and heartbreak.  Mothering is  a ministry and one that lasts a lifetime!