On Being A Mother

I always wanted to get married and be a Mother. Don't you think most women have that same desire? God created us for that purpose, so of course he put that drive within our hearts. I love this picture of the nest because it pictures so well how it is with women. We are all nest-makers, whether married or not.



It is a blessed privilege to have a family. There is NOTHING as fulfilling as this. There is nothing so exhausting as this, but God gives us just one day at a time and the strength to do the things he wants us to do.


When my older children were much younger, I remember how physically exhausted I was at the end of the day. Mother's of young children need to be strong; physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She also needs to be prepared in all areas of home making. The prepared wife and mother is in the best position to be her husbands helper and companion, as well as rear children that seek after God and are noble in character.



Unfortunately, young Christian women of today have not had this focused preparation. Instead they are prepared to be exceptional schoolteachers, capable nurses, and frustrated accountants. And for the most part, they do very well in these occupations. Many of them really WANT to meet the needs of their families but they just do not know how. Some would love to learn, but are not given the opportunity to stay home and do it. They know that there is no such thing as "supermom".
These dear ladies have the admiration of many who consider it a virtuous thing for a woman to have children AND a job. However, this idea is completely contradictory to what we read in scripture. In Proverbs 31 we read that the virtuous woman was very accomplished! AT HOME MAKING! It was her husband that was praised in the gates!
I believe young women are under much pressure to "make something of themselves" because that is what this con fussed culture tells them. It is not a concept that comes from scripture.
Somewhere, early in childhood, the God-given nurturing instinct and nesting desire is discouraged. Little girls are encouraged to be tough; their Mother's don't want them to be too prissy. After all, they have to take care of themselves someday:(



I like this image above, of the older lady, offering a cup of coffee to the mailman on such a cold day! I suppose it doesn't take much skill and formal training to make coffee, but it does require a bit of preparation of the heart to care about someone else. And that is just what being a homemaker is all about. Caring about others ~ the others in your nest. Others who come under your roof.



If you are a young or older woman who finds her heart is turning toward her home, I encourage you to look to the women of the Bible for direction. They were not perfect because they, like us, were frail flesh. However, the Lord can use their example to show us the way He intended for us to live. When I think of how I have failed as a wife, mother, and homemaker, my heart is lifted in praise of His mercy, love, and kindness. His grace is sufficient to do what I can not for my loved ones.