Synonyms
mama - mamma - parent - mom - ma - mum - mummy
As mine and my husband's quiver has grown over the years, I am realizing that the "giving birth" part of being a mother is probably the easiest part of all. The beauty of carrying a child inside of your body, and feeling the first little kick, and seeing your belly swell to the point of not being able to see your feet anymore is such a God given gift. After all He is at work in you in such a powerful way. His hand is upon you everyday as He knits that little one together. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13 Once you hold that precious baby in your arms for the first time, you are never the same. Your love multiplies beyond what you could ever imagine.
Then those little ones begin to grow (quickly). They begin to have new needs, new desires, new challenges, new joys. As a mother who is with her children, virtually all the time (since I home school), I get a lot of time to practice the verb of mother Bring up (a child) with care and affection: "the art of mothering". This is an enormous task, that requires dependency on the Lord for strength and help.
...with care~ Feel concern or interest; attach importance to something:
It is easy to just 'get through the day', but those little ones know whether you are really interested in what they are saying, what picture they just drew, their story, their fear. They know, and it is so important to make the effort to show them you care; that you really are interested, and see what they are trying to share with you, as important. If we make a habit of brushing them off now, and not truly listening, will they come to us when they are older? Will they feel the connection, and comfort of sharing things with Mama then?
...with affection~
A gentle feeling of fondness or liking.
Physical expressions of these feelings.
These little eyes are watching us like a hawk. They do not miss a thing. They can sense joy, silliness, love, fear, frustration. My children are like sponges, and they respond to my cues. I can't hide my emotions very well, and they know it. Our children need to feel that they are liked. They need hugs, kisses, tickles. In the business of our day we need to always remember to express our love and not just assume they know we love them. Those extra kisses on the head, the random hug, or cuddle, can make all the difference in their little hearts.
Keeping up with the daily demands of being a mom isn't easy for anyone. But being strong, and joyful, and not letting your stress and frustrations shine through is something I know we all need to work on. It is so important that our kids see Jesus in us; that they see the fruits of the Spirit "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control". To me, that is harder than giving birth any day :)
A Mother's Influence
I Took a piece of plastic clay
And idly fashioned it one day,
And as my fingers pressed it still,
It moved and yielded to my will.
I came again when days were passed;
The bit of clay was hard at last,
The form I gave it still it bore,
But I could change that form no more!
I took a piece of living clay
And touched it gently day by day,
And molded with my power and art
A young child's soft and yielding heart.
I came again when years were gone;
It was a man I looked upon;
That early impress still he wore,
And I could change that form no more!
Anon.
Some days I feel the task is too great. How can I effectively mold these precious lambs, and influence what they will be? But God is in us. He holds our hand, and says follow Me. Listen to His still, small voice. Be encouraged.You are not alone. |
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