Motherhood, not for wimps

     

     Motherhood is not for wimps!   
     How can we define motherhood?  

     Could it mean giving up the biggest piece of cake and the last popsicle, and feeling OK with that? 

     Someone has said, "The definition of motherhood is in the heart of the beholder, affecting us all in one way or another."  

     Motherhood lasts a lifetime from that first tiny cry. How special that this unique, little person came from her body, and is an extension of her very self!  

     

     Now-a-days, it seems it doesn't take much to offend people. There has been much discussion recently over the Time magazine cover story showing a beautiful, young woman nursing a toddler. 

     This led to the question whether mothers should be more discreet when nursing their baby in public. 

     Though it would definitely be taboo during my years of child-rearing, I see it as a beautiful picture representing that mother's deep love, kindness, gentleness and nurturing for that little God-given gift that He created and knit together in her womb. 

     For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful.

 — Psalm 139: 13-14 

     Motherhood is the most honourable profession a woman could have, yet the toughest job imaginable. Rev. Charles Stanley had it right when he said, "Motherhood is a great honour and privilege, yet it is also synonymous with servanthood. Every day women are called upon to selflessly meet the needs of their families. Whether they are awake at night nursing a baby, spending their time and money on less-than-grateful teenagers, or preparing meals, moms continuously put others before themselves." 

     Those of us who once nurtured our children from babies to adults, now find ourselves passing prayers and blessings on to today's mothers with their awesome responsibilities. Each generation has its own set of challenges, but many of our parenting efforts remain the same.  

     I'm awed, as I often recall — those thousands of meals that were made; how I made the kids do the dishes  — (no dishwasher in our kitchen); how we helped them to see that hard work is good; and family working together makes for an organized and peaceful home, making a home they would want to bring their friends to; teaching them to have respect for others, including elders; encouraging church attendance so that one day they would want to go all by themselves; that relationships are important; encouraging a relationship with the One who helps keep our relationships right; making time for vacations and fun; mistakes sometimes made, but forgiveness was taught.  

     

     

     I'm glad Nels, my partner, was with me in our parenting venture. Children benefit from the example of a strong, loving father, who takes his rightful place in directing and caring for his family. 

     Unfortunately, today, as in every generation, the father model is often missing. 

     Somehow, I'd like to think our Heavenly Father often fills that void.     

The Hand that Rocks the Cradle    

They say that man is mighty,

He governs land and sea, 

He wields a mighty sceptre, 

O'er lesser powers that be. 

But a mightier power and stronger, 

Man from his throned has hurled, 

For the hand that rocks the cradle, 

Is the hand that rules the world. 

— William Ross Wallace  

— beulah