One day a few years ago I received a revelation. I have my children with me for only a short time, they will be an adult more than they will be a child.
The question of, “What am I teaching them about becoming an adult?” came rushing in.
Seems a little foolish to not realize this till later in life but I think the impact of the revelation was revealing to me that everything I teach them now as a child can and will one day affect them as an adult.
They soon will be an adult that will one day become a spouse, parent, follower of Christ, and a hard worker. How am I preparing them?
As a mother, we hold our child in our arms thinking about moments that warms us. We dream big dreams for them. The anticipation of who they will become increases over time.
We hear the words from elders to enjoy our children. It will go by faster than we think. But the simplicity of the advice does not hit home till we begin watching our child grow into early stages of adulthood.
As I listen to my teenage daughters every word about her day while holding my youngest son on my hip, the thoughts hit hard of how quickly it all does go by.
I think of the moments I once had with her in my arms. Now I am now watching her on a journey of becoming a young adult.
My thoughts wander off to:
- Did I teach her everything I wanted to teach her about being a lady?
- Does she truly know what the power of prayer can accomplish? We pray with her for that very reason.
- Does she know the importance of discernment and how it can prevent tragedies and heartbreaks?
- Will she believe us when we tell her how much we love her and know that affection is what we hope she passes down to her children.
- Have I encouraged her dreams enough?
- Have I been an example of being a mother is a gracious gift from the Lord?
My own lifetime feels like it took a fair amount of time to get to my age but with my children, it feels like a speeding lightening flashing before me and I’m trying so hard to get in everything I want to teach my children for their own good, for the good of their future spouses, and for the good of their children, and their children’s children.
When I look at my daughter, I see a girl maturing into a young lady that will become a woman faster that I want it to be. A woman that will go to college, eventually find a husband, and serve the Lord. As a mother I will have to watch her carry a cross that will make her tired and weary, that will sometimes feel too overwhelming to continue on, and although I will see all of this, I will not be able to run and carry the cross with her. I will have to prayerfully stand back watch her gain strength, listen to her pray, and witness her change the atmosphere by her grace and humbleness.
As I look at my eldest son, I see a compassionate heart. Strength within him that is motivated by passion for others. I see a man of God that seeks God for joy and happiness. His weaknesses do not hinder him, instead prevails boldness and courageousness.
For each of my children, my desire is to see them with spiritual eyes as men and woman of God, so I can encourage, teach, and correct in areas that is needed. As a mother my hope is that my prayers speak life into characteristics that will build them up as a spouse that they will one day become. Prayerfully the skills they possess now will increase to a greater level so prosperity will not just be favor from the Lord but will also be a reward for doing the will of God. My desire is to encourage their compassion and gentleness so they may know by my example as a mother that it is needed for their children and future generations.
I can not expect my children to become what I want them to be as; spouses, parents, or as a follower of Christ. I can only teach them within the walls of our home the characteristics of Christ. How to love like Christ and the how His death was so we can live righteously. My hope is that wherever they may go, they will take the teachings with them. May the words me and their father speak unto them encourages them.
As we watch them grow there will be days we will see our children hurt. As their mother, we will want to run and pick them up just as we have before but we can’t. We have to pray individually that they do not forget the things we have taught them. To be strong and bold. To look up, not down. And to speak life not death.
We have to take confidence that what we are teaching them for the future will bring those reactions.
Every so often I take a deep look at myself and ask myself:
Am I teaching them what the Lord wants me to teach them?
Am I preparing them righteously?
I pray today this has encouraged you even more a mother to find confidence in the scripture of:
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6
Here are a few scriptures that encourages me as a mother. I hope it does the same for you!
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 6:7
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” – which is the first commandment with a promise – “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Fathers do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6: 1-4
My prayer today for us mothers is that we continue to seek God for our children’s’ future. May we seek Him on how to righteously parent the beautiful children He has set before us!
Other posts you may like about raising your children up in the Lord:
5 Verses to Encourage Your Childs’ Gifts
Teaching Your Children How To Praise
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