Motherhood Molds You

Since it’s still May, the month we set aside to honor Mothers, I thought I’d share a few thoughts about motherhood.

Mothers are here to serve

Recently, I remarked at work, 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.

Although exhausting, servanthood comes naturally to a mother. Feeding, changing diapers, bathing and dressing the little miss or little master, even entertaining your child 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. Since the little dear begins to do things for herself, you’re not needed in the same way. 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.

Let it goooo …

You must let go and watch your child make mistakes. After the mistake, 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. [For ages 10 and above, 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 clean, tidy environments. Husbands care, you care, but children don’t.

Motherhood molds you …

One of the most interesting things about motherhood is the way 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, investing time, money, blood, sweat and tears. It doesn’t take that long to get a degree as a doctor!

Motherhood will teach you life is not all about you! Learning to put the needs of someone else above yourself, considering others first, relegating your plans and desires to the back burner until a more appropriate time are all tools by which God grows you to be more like Jesus.

If you hang in there, you may end up like the Mom in Proverbs 31. She is praised in the gates of her town (or her local Wal-Mart, take your pick). Her children rise up and call her blessed (or her children “like” her on Facebook).

The funny part? You’d give anything to go back and re-live those days!

*Adapted from an earlier post.

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Linking up at Porch Stories and #TuneInThursday, and #FreshMarketFriday.