I was recently out with a group of my friends celebrating the upcoming wedding of our close friend. I was having a wonderful dinner and enjoying the time of relaxation and fellowship. As the night wore on, the conversation turned to our children and the joy and craziness of motherhood. We began to talk about how challenging it can be with the daily grind of taking care of the little ones, doing the laundry, cleaning the house, etc.
We also discussed how easy it was for us to wonder what we were contributing to this world. I think this is very common for many women and something that I really struggled with after having my son. Before I became a mom, I was used to my identity being wrapped up nicely in my job, in the areas that I volunteered and in physical exercise.
I think that regardless of whether a woman is a stay-at-home-mom or she works outside the home, she may question whether or not she is contributing to society. God has really been working on this issue with me as I have struggled to find my purpose and to feel that my life is important. I have heard it said so many times that as mothers we are amazingly powerful and influential. I am sure we have all heard the saying, “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.”
We are literally shaping this next generation. This is something that has taken a hold in my heart. What an amazing responsibility. I know I make a difference every time I play with my son, read him a book or pray over him at night. I am shaping his future. Being a mother is not about giving up and sacrificing our dreams; it is about helping the next generation accomplish their dreams by giving them everything they need emotionally and spiritually so that one day make their own mark on this world.
Mother Teresa illustrated this point best when she said, “If we want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.”
Memory Verse:
“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
– Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Lord, thank You so much for entrusting me with Your child/children. I pray that I honor You as I live my life out before them. Help me to be an example of You to them. Help me to make my mark in this life by…”
Contributing Writer:
Laura Emmons
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