Motherhood: An Undeserved Privilege

"Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."~Romans 5:1-5




Mother's Day is one of those days that I focus on how thankful I am that my husband and I were blessed to have children. It's also a time I think back about becoming a mother and the loving responsibility this gift has laid on my heart.


As a child in elementary school, I remember the career books in the little three room school library that I attended were a little different than what you would find today. The boy's and girl's career books contained stereotypical choices  that were once thought to be only appropriate for men or women. The books today are much broader and encourage children to look at any and all career choices, but I'll never forget a book that I checked out numerous times. The book showed careers for girls, and inside the pages was a wife and mother caring for her family. It was considered a career choice. I wish I still had access to that book because it would be delightful to peek inside those pages once again.


Even as a young child, I dreamed of having a family, and I prayed regularly that someday I could become a mom. That is what I wanted more than words can express. After graduating from high school, my husband and I were married.  Two weeks after our first wedding anniversary came a surprise bundle of joy that has forever changed our lives. I remember that intense feeling of love that was something so different than I had never experienced before. I knew from that moment on that this child was a miracle and a gift. 


Yes, we were young parents, but our love for God and this precious little girl, developed into a beautiful family. Three years later, our rambunctious little boy was born, and together, our little family, faced the joys and trials of life together. Often times, I feel uncomfortable telling others that we had our children so young, but in reality, it was all a part of God's plan to keep us on the right path. His plan for us to grow closer to Him was intricately woven in ways that I'd love to explain, but won't fit in this blog.


Parenting takes a lot of wisdom, and having God to turn to 24/7 led us through the storms of cars, boyfriends, girlfriends, peer pressure, heartaches, discouragement, disappointments, school, college, health issues, and uncertainty. I wish I could say I handled everything the best way it could have been handled, but in reality I failed many times. God's grace reminds me that even my failures are all part of the parenting educational process. Thank goodness for the gift of grace! I was learning as I went. But, as I look back our lives were so FULL of joy! My husband and I have loved being parents from the first moment we laid eyes on each of our two children.


So, you may wonder why did I pick these Bible verses to share today when thinking about motherhood? Being a parent and being a child of God are both undeserved privileges. Each teaches us that we have choices that help us develop endurance and character. As parents, the greatest gift we can give our children is raising everything that they are facing and all their needs to God in prayer. As we pray, God will provide wisdom to us and them as we navigate through life. As we grow to trust Him for everything, we will become more confident in His wisdom, and thus developing our own character and ability to trust that somehow we can endure whatever comes our way.


I give praise and thanks to God for the two precious children He entrusted my husband and I the privilege to raise in this sometimes tumultuous world we inhabit. It was an undeserved privilege as is the love God provides for us each moment of our lives. 


As Mother Day approaches, remember that mothers often have a tough job. It's only with God's wisdom that we can overcome the obstacles that will occur in a way that is pleasing to Him. Happy Mother's Day to the moms reading this, and to all those moms that brought you into the world. Wishing you a day filled with joy!!


Tender and Loving Father,


Thank you for the blessing of children that enable your own children to be loving parents. Grant us the gift of wisdom to guide those we love.


Amen.