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On Motherhood: Old Advice, Little Memories, and Just Believing
I asked the Lord what He wanted me to say to you this very special month. And then, when He started putting ideas in my head, I objected. He asked me to remind you that He loves you, that He is proud of you, and that the job you do as a mother is so special, that He created you (a non-man) just for the assignment. Now do you see why I objected? This is the same stuff we have been hearing forever. There is no punch of invigorating energy or renewal in this. These concepts are overused in articles and speeches at Mother’s Day. I objected because I wanted Him to give me something bursting with newness and freshness and transforming power that would help moms everywhere feel strong and revitalized. This was “So yesterday” and I wanted Him to share something that would help moms with all of their tomorrows. And when I quieted down, He asked me to come and sit with Him and watch an old movie.
When my oldest boys were small, they bought me Tonka trucks for Mother’s Day. Now, I’m not sure how this happened, or the logic behind the shopping. But what I clearly remember is the faces of those two little ones when they gave me that gift. The older one was silent and grinned with anticipation. He knew, absolutely knew, that I would love his gift. And the younger one hopped and danced around spilling the secret of what was inside because his excitement could not be contained. As I opened the present wrapped in old comic strip paper (and at least a half roll of tape) out fell two bright yellow Tonka trucks…and the boys gasped. “We picked them out”, “We paid for them with our own money”, “We wrapped them”, “We did it for you, Mommy”, tumbled from their lips and then became a song of utmost sweetness in my memories.
Last month a young man sang in the morning service. Actually, he sang in a small group that included his mother. I am not a musician by any means but I completely enjoyed what they had prepared. I liked the selection, and the wonderful tone was very uplifting. And then, toward the end of the song, the young man carried the performance with both his vocal gifts and his execution and the mastery of the notes. Although still singing, I saw his eyes turn toward hers and as his head motioned the direction of the next few notes, she half smiled and nodded with approval and pride. Right there, in front of the whole crowd they exposed their intimate connection; a love for music, a discipline for the sound, and their passion to use their gifts for Him. Surely that small moment is one she will tuck away as treasure.
And as the reel of my mind’s memories played on and on that day, the Lord whispered to me that women need to focus on all the things that they have treasured up in their mother’s hearts. That, in those little memories, lay the glimpses of real motherhood. So, while the world is screaming all the things that we did wrong, all the mistakes that we made while parenting, all the things that our children could have done and become and accomplished…God wants us to focus on loving them. He wants us to feel secure in His love and He wants us to pass that on to them. He wants us to understand the term “unconditional” and He wants us to live it in front of them. He wants us to know that it is our effort that makes Him proud and that each day is a new opportunity.
So, this month, sit down with an old friend and watch an old movie…a very special movie of the wonderful moments of your motherhood. Look specifically at the wounds you have bandaged, the tears you have dried, and the hugs you have given. Watch for the excitement on their faces and the winks and nods that they have given. You, and only you, really know what these things mean. And, when the Lord reaches over and takes your hand and tells you what a wonderful job you have been doing…just believe.
In obedience
Rhonda D Loucks
And as the reel of my mind’s memories played on and on that day, the Lord whispered to me that women need to focus on all the things that they have treasured up in their mother’s hearts. That, in those little memories, lay the glimpses of real motherhood. So, while the world is screaming all the things that we did wrong, all the mistakes that we made while parenting, all the things that our children could have done and become and accomplished…God wants us to focus on loving them. He wants us to feel secure in His love and He wants us to pass that on to them. He wants us to understand the term “unconditional” and He wants us to live it in front of them. He wants us to know that it is our effort that makes Him proud and that each day is a new opportunity.