The Lessons Learned from Being a Mother

This week, many of us are thinking about Mother’s Day. If we’re mothers, we may be hoping for rest, a visit from an out-of-town child, or the special gift we’ve hinted at. Perhaps Mother’s Day means deciding between flowers or chocolates for our moms. Perhaps we approach the day with trepidation because our relationship with our mother has been full of pain. Or perhaps this day means missing a mother who is long since gone.

Mother’s Day conjures up different emotions for everyone, shaped by past experiences and present circumstances. For me, it’s a chance to celebrate my mother’s faithful presence throughout my life and, above all, to remember God’s goodness in blessing me with my daughters.

I know that God could have used whatever He wanted to make me who I am today. But of all the experiences that make up the story of my life, being a mother has shaped me the most.

How?

Motherhood has taught me that God’s timing is perfect. He has proved that His purposeful preparation is never a waste, especially when I’ve struggled with impatience or doubt. There have been many times when I’ve wondered what God’s up to but, looking back, it’s obvious He knew all along.

Motherhood has taught me that the faithful, ordinary moments matter. Those mundane days of doing laundry, constantly picking up toys, eating dinner around the table, and reading books before bedtime are the habits that lay the foundation of a home that is safe and secure.

Motherhood has taught me that I can’t make every hurt and disappointment go away. In my desperation, I’ve tried and failed. But God has proved to be the Healer of every broken heart, and for that I couldn’t be more thankful.

Motherhood has taught me about the depths of God’s love for me. As much as I love my daughters, God’s love cost Him the ultimate sacrifice of His Son. For that, I have nothing to offer but my obedience and worship.

Motherhood has taught me to hunger for God’s Word. When I haven’t known what to think, what to say, or what to do, the scriptures have been a lamp to my feet and light to my path. They’ve brought clarity in uncertainty and comfort in heartache.

Motherhood has taught me that my only recourse is trust. Being a mother never ends; it just changes. The early years, as difficult as they may seem, are nothing in comparison to the years that come. They require giving up control, relying on the Lord, and living on our knees.

So today, if your experience with motherhood is not as you hoped, remain patient. Be faithful. Keep loving, seeking, praying, trusting. God is doing His best work, in and through you, even when it’s hard to see.

In every season. the Lord has continued HIs work of refinement in my life. Amid all the joys and sorrows, motherhood has taught me to keep looking to Him. Our Father in Heaven has never failed me yet.

And for that, I am forever grateful.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed. Proverbs 31:26-28