I have only been a mother for 9 months. My son doesn't know the difference between right and wrong yet. He knows to cry when he's hungry, tired or needs his diaper changed. He smiles and laughs when he is happy (and what a beautiful sight and sound that is!) This is as far as his world extends at this point in his life. Sometimes I struggle with seeing the value in "mothering." Because my son's only needs include diapering, feeding and sleeping, those are my only duties at this point. Lately I often catch myself giving into exhaustion and my feelings and allowing myself to fall into an attitude that doesn't exemplify that of a Godly mother.
Here is a quote from John Angell James' book "Female Piety" that I keep coming back to:
"At a pastoral conference, held not long since, at which about one hundred and twenty American clergymen, united in the bonds of common faith, were assembled, each was invited to state the human instrumentality to which, under the Divine blessing, he attributed to a change of heart. How many of these, think you, gave the honour of it to their mother? Of one hundred twenty, above one hundred! Here then are facts, which are only selected from myriads of others, to prove a mother's power, and to demonstrate at the same time her responsibility."
What a reminder of the great privilege we have to raise our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord! There is no greater objective a mother must have for her child. There is nothing wrong with desiring good things like happiness and success for our children, but these things are fleeting. When we are gone, and our children breathe their last breath and it's time for them to meet their Maker where will their happiness and successes in life and personal fulfillment fall? Will it matter? Our lives on this earth are no comparison to our lives on the other side of eternity. I know it will be so tempting for me to put their comfort and joy on this earth before everything else, but I hope and pray I will not give into this desire. I'm not there yet, but this is something that I know I need to praying on and preparing myself for. They need to love and know their Savior better than they know anything else.
So, when I find myself getting impatient and doubting my value as a mother, I keep coming back to that quote. It is easy to become impatient with the sleepless nights and exhaustion that come with raising a baby, and I do continue to struggle...but I will continue to remind myself of the greater goal that is ahead of me.
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward." (Psalm 127:3)
What a great responsibility and amazing gift the Lord has bestowed upon us.
1 comment:
You know, a mother really never stops being a mother. Although the needs of the child may change, or diminish over time, the role of a mother in praying for her children never changes. And what greater investment can one make in the life of her children than to be a praying Mom? I am so thank ful to God that you, Megan, and my other daughter-in-law, see that prayer is our greatest resource, from the womb to the end of life. Thank you for being willing to listen to God's heart on your duties, while taking the time to enjoy and train and clean up after and nurture your precious little one. BTW, I love the comment about having more children! :) I remember once, years ago, when my (unfortunately unsaved) mother-in-law fretted over the news that we were to have the fourth of our five children, "Oh, no, there's not enough love to go around for so many..." I told her as gently as I could that the more you have, the more love grows! You are a wise daughter, Megan. Thank you for sharing your heart so beautifully. I will pass this blog on to other young mothers I know, who will be greatly encouraged.
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