If you are a mom, had a mom, want to be a mom or just know a mom then you know mothering is hard. Someone on Facebook asked what the things are we fear most as moms. A large number said losing their child or somehow losing what we think they should be or do. It all came back to fear.
I think the biggest fear is that somehow the choices I made or am making will do more harm than good to my kids. In my finite, superficial mind it's really more about me than them. And the reality is, it's not about me at all. I didn't really make them and I can't ultimately break them. Yes as moms we can do great good and even some really bad things to our kids. But God is the one who holds it in is hands. The miracle of birth and life lay solely on Him.
I think if I just point them to Him then no matter how good or how bad I do at this mother thing then He can draw them to Himself and work out what is best but I do need to diligently show them God.
It's almost Mother's Day and it's making me think about where I learned to mother. My mom has been a great example of mothering. She was a marine wife who followed my dad where the military took him. Often to places where she didn't know anyone and was left to raise her babies without a whole lot of support. She lost her parents too early and lost a child as well. Yet she persevered.
Somehow we all four graduated high school and have families of our own with jobs to support ourselves. She did a lot of praying and spent a lot of time with God.
I've been blessed the last two years to live with my parents again. I've seen the toll that aging takes and the love that 56 years of marriage holds together. I've seen how I reflect different parts of my parents as I mother my children.
In just a short time my kids will graduate high school and college and I will get married again and move to a new place leaving my parents home alone. I'm torn about that because I've been able to help them do things that they love to do and eased some of the work. I know they don't really need me but sharing the load always makes it easier.
As I hear all the comments about mothers and the emotions that run rampant on Mother's Day, the hurts and bitterness and loss, I'm reminded again of how God is the great provider. He is the one who gives life and uses it for His will and His glory.
I pray that as you celebrate Mother's Day you will remember those who can't or don't celebrate but grieve on Mother's Day. Take the time to pray for those who won't be as happy about celebrating. Reach out to those who just need a touch.
That mothering thing is hard and it never gets easier. We are but a vessel to be used and some times the vessel gets cracked and broken. But good comes through the cracks when the Holy Spirit fills all the parts.
“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” Proverbs 16:31 ESV
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