Motherhood

Since it’s May, I thought I’d share a few thoughts about motherhood. Now, much has already been said about the subject, so my gems of wisdom will probably be a miniscule contribution.

Today, while making a requested phone call, I remarked, jokingly, “I’m here to serve.” The fact of the matter is that I AM here to serve. Everyone who works in Christian ministry is first and foremost, a servant. And, so is a mother.

At first, although exhausting, servanthood comes naturally to a mother. Feeding, changing diapers, bathing and dressing the little miss or little master, even entertaining your child is, or becomes, automatic. It doesn’t take long to figure out what you are supposed to do. It’s true, motherhood doesn’t come with an instruction manual but usually your instinct coupled with well-meaning advice from relatives will get you through.

In fact, the years will fly by and your service to your child will begin to change. Now that the little dear can do things for herself, you’re not needed in the same way. But you are still needed! It’s just waaay more tricky. And oh my, by the time they get to double digits! You’re really walking a fine line then.

You must let go and watch your child make mistakes. And you can’t say “I told you, so.” Well, you can say it, but brownie points are erased when you do. You must be ready to comfort at a moment’s notice, yet not cling to the child. [Especially out in public, do not hang around the child acting like you know her. Be ready to pick her up when she is ready to go, be ready to pay money for anything she requires, otherwise make yourself scarce.]

Eventually young adult-hood will come. This may be the most difficult stage ever, for now you must only speak your pearls of wisdom when asked.

Through all this you must continue to keep the laundry done, meals made, and show up at all events considered important by the child. I was going to say keep the house clean, but kids don’t care about that. Husbands care, you care, but children don’t.

One of the most interesting things about motherhood, though, is the way that God uses it to mold you into what He wants you to be. There is no finer school to train you in Christian maturity than the “Mom” school. Think about it! You start with an infant and work with it for a minimum of 18 years. It doesn’t take that long to get a degree as a doctor! If you hang in there, though, you may end up like the Mom in Proverbs 31. Her children arise and call her blessed. And the funny part? You’d give anything to go back and re-live those days!