Fashioned for Motherhood

Today’s writing is for everyone, whether you see yourself as a mother or not!  Scripture calls us in Titus 2:4 that “the old are to teach the young.” There is always someone younger than you, both in age, position, and maturity.  Don’t talk yourself out of offering the wisdom you possess to the next generation or to a newer Christian woman in the faith!

Every mom has a different wardrobe.  There are moms who wear old clothes and pin up their hair.  Others are dressed in business professional attire and head out to work early in the morning with their children.  Some moms seem to be able to work out and boast athletic wear, or others are dressed well even if they work or stay at home.  Perhaps scrubs are your attire for the day! What you put on has nothing to do with the position of your heart, or the size of it for that matter.  Those who run around in the kitchen under your feet or seem to hang out around your office cubicle are being mothered by your wisdom and care. 

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” Col 3:23-24

I have 4 wonderful children. We had those babies in under 4 years.  It was a wild time!  Currently, they are all teenagers! My house has never been quiet and my frig seems to be a cavern even on the day of grocery shopping!  There were days when I knew there was great success, and others, I could barely talk myself into getting out of bed.  But, I would imagine that Jesus was visibly there with me.  He was sitting on the floor playing with us, at the table having lunch, and in the difficult moments of discipline. (I know, in the spirit He was). However, keeping my mind fixated on Him as I served my family kept my heart in check.  I was more patient, intentional, and fulfilled. 

“Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds;” Proverbs 27:23

Be worthy of the work He has fashioned you for!  He must think you are capable to tackle it with flying colors!  Mothering in the natural and in the spirit reveals how much we are actually learning in the process of our teaching and rearing.  As moms, we do have a lot to offer, to train up and to teach.  But, did you ever sit back and consider how much you have learned by being a mother?  No one could ever prepare you for the million things you do.  And that Bible study you lead, consider how much you have had to learn before you present the information to your class. What about the young lady you meet with over coffee?  Her heart is teachable, and you are just the one for the job.  But in the process, you are learning just as much. 

“And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, your power to all who are to come.” Psalm 71:18

Take in some wisdom from the older women in my life! I still consider myself young and in need of learning!  I pray something settles in your heart and encourages you as well.

When I was pregnant with our first child, I was noting how tired I was.  My mother simply stated no truer words; “Honey, from the moment of conception ‘til the day you die, you’ll be tired as a mother!”  -Mom

“Let others help you.  You can’t do it all yourself.  There’s no prize for that.” -Mom J

“Every day is Mother’s Day!” -Nannie

“As a mother, try not to do anything. Then, at the end of the day, if you were able to do something, you’ll be so proud of yourself!” -Grammy

“I wasn’t a great mom; it was just the Lord in me.” -Lesley

“When you don’t know what to do, just pray in tongues.” -Sue

“The insignificant things are really very significant.” -Tricia

“When they’re little, they step on your toes, when they’re big, they step on your heart.” -Fran

“Position others to shine.  Sometimes in life, you have to get off the ride to let someone else on.” -Liz

“I can never get to the bottom of His Word. He still amazes me.” -Ruth

“All things by prayer.”-Carol

As you mother and mentor those who are under your care consider this verse from Hebrews.  Even when you think you are not fashioned for the task, remember you can in Him! Someone mothered/mentored YOU!  Now it is your turn!

“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7

And because my grandmother said every day is Mother’s Day, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!