Happy Mother's Day - to my kids!

Perennially, Mother’s Day was a difficult day for me. Having a mother and a stepmother takes juggling to new levels. But unlike the circus, no one is ever happy. So, to be honest, Mother’s Day was never a day I looked forward to.

Until I became a mom.

The best thing for me now about Mother’s Day is the reminder of the love the Father has for us, His children. Even as a Christian, I don’t think I understood what it meant to be a child of God until I had children of my own.

So, thanks kids, for teaching what it means to be a child of our Father.

As I new mom, I couldn’t believe how much love my heart could contain. When I was pregnant with my second child, I was worried that I would not be able to love that child as much as I loved my first. How could so much love be possible? But, if you have more than one child, you know, as I found out, that it is more than possible. Exceedingly more. When one candle lights another, it does not lose any of its light. Only more light is created. And so, my second-born only increased my capacity to love.

When my children were small, they were so dependent upon me. As they grew and matured, slowly they gained independence. When my children and I would go out anywhere, my daughter always stuck close by, but my son loved to wander, and so for his own safety, I used a harness for him so he was free to explore, yet he could stray no further than the end of the leash. Now both are free to travel, but they are always tethered by an invisible bond of love.

Whether my children behave or not, my love for them does not diminish, just as God’s love never changes regardless of my behavior (1 John 4:9-10).

I must discipline them when necessary to be a good parent, just as God disciplines us (Hebrews 12:7-11).

We have security as a child of God. He will not leave us as orphans (John 14:18).

As a child of God, I have learned that there is a difference between being childlike (which we should be - Matt. 18:3) and being childish (which we ought not to be - 1 Cor. 13:11). We must develop in our relationship with the Lord as a baby matures and grows. We progress from feeding on the “milk of the Word” to meatier things (1 Peter 2:2). It’s a process. But His love for us never changes during the process.

So, Abba - Daddy, keep me close.

And kids, thanks for making every day a Happy Mother’s Day for me!

3 comments:

Carol said...

As always; beautiful; I love your blogs!!!
Carol

Jen said...

I really loved this post!

Maybe it's because I can relate (in the sense of having my mother and a step-mother.) I no longer have the stress of worrying about a step-mom and I know that it was truly a gift from God.

As for children, I can only imagine the happiness that a child will bring into my life. Mothers are amazing and have such a privilege raising children however many women take this gift for granted. I have known you a very long time, and I know Jesus brought me to you so I can see how loving you are with your children and how committed you are to them! Because of what I saw in you, I one day hope to be 1/2 the mother you are to both Lauren and AJ!

Happy Mother's Day!

Lauren said...

awww mom i love you.. just so you know, i never left your side when i was little and i still will never ever leave your side. thats my place :) i love you best friend!
Lolo