Getting older has its advantages. One plus is that after having passed through the years of motherhood when my children were little, I can reflect with a little more insight. Sometimes looking at motherhood through the rear view mirror (my mistakes) gives a better perspective. I certainly don’t have all the answers (who does?), but as I reflect on my own mothering years, and watch and listen to young moms, I have a different perspective. When I was experiencing it myself there were days when I felt like I was drowning. Now I stand on the shoreline to throw you young moms a rope of encouragement.
Recently I had a friend ask me what I thought about the statement,
“Every mother’s middle name is guilt.”
I considered it for a couple of days – even mentioned it to a couple of women and was interested in their responses. “Oh, boy, isn’t that the truth!” was pretty much what I heard from others.
Hey moms, I know your plate is full, and so is your day. You have so much responsibility on your shoulders and there are days you wonder if you can get it all done. Today’s Refresh Her podcast is meant to encourage you in your role of motherhood. It’s not about doing more, it’s about the one tool that will make what you are doing really matter in your children’s lives. Do you think you know what it is?
When a woman becomes a mother, life changes, but you know what? She still has the same heart that she was born with; it’s that sinful one that needed redemption! It’s for that reason that God gives instruction that the older women are to teach the young women to love their children! It’s not always easy to love that child who asks a million questions (and that’s just before lunch!), the one who destroys her well-kept home, or the one who speaks disrespectfully and acts unappreciative of her sacrifices.
Love is tested, therefore, love needs to be taught.
The following is not my post, this is from Our Daily Bread, but I was so touched as I thought of the great impact mothers have on their children’s hearts. I wanted to share it because I thought you would be encouraged by it, too.
My son, keep thy father’s commandments, and forsake not the law of thy mother.
As I read Proverbs 6:20, which refers to “the law of your mother,” I recall some of my mother’s unique “laws” that have helped me many times.
The first I call “the law of the warm kitchen.” When we got home from school on a cold winter’s day or when the holidays rolled around, the kitchen was always so warm from baking and cooking that the windows were steamed. It was also warm with a mother’s love.
A second law I call “the law of a mother’s perspective.” When I would come to her all upset over some childish matter, she would often say, “Pay no attention.” Or, “Ten years from now you’ll have forgotten all about it.” That helped me put things into perspective.
But above all was my mother’s “law of faith.” She had an unswerving trust in God that kept her strong and gentle amid fears, pressures, and sacrifices of the war years and of the 1950s.
Mom’s been with the Lord now for many years. Yet I’m still grateful for her “laws,” because they have helped me through many difficult days.
Christian mother, you too are writing “laws” for your children. Are they worth remembering? – D C Egner
That question is truly worth considering…”What ‘laws’ are you writing on the heart of your children?” Are they the kind of laws that will help and encourage them as they mature and move on in life? Your personal life has everything to do with whether or not you have anything to pass along to the next generation. Walk with God today. Let Him fill your heart with His joy, His Word and His directives.
Refresh the heart of your children with your “laws.”
RefreshHer 