How Mothers are Raising Spirits
Finding God’s Guidance in the Adventure of Parenting
God weaves an exquisite tapestry of love, sacrifice, and grace together in the form of motherhood. As we approach Mother’s Day, it’s a perfect time to pause and reflect on the incredible role that mothers and grandmothers have in our lives and the lives of our children. Drawing inspiration from Mark 9:36-37, we find a powerful message that Jesus extends to children and, by extension, to all who care for them.
God’s Presence in the Ordinary
Every day, mothers engage in countless acts that might seem ordinary on the surface but are, in fact, holy moments in the eyes of God. Whether it’s soothing a crying baby in the dead of night, preparing a meal, or reading a bedtime story for the umpteenth time, these acts of love are a reflection of God’s care for His children.
Jesus said, “And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them. ‘Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me’” (Mark 9:36-37 ESV).
In every diaper you change, every scrape you kiss better, you’re not just serving your child; you’re welcoming and serving Christ Himself.
The responsibilities of each day make it easy to overlook His presence in the routine. Each morning kiss, every shared laughter over breakfast, the comfort of a bedtime hug—they’re all threads in the vibrant tapestry of your child’s life. These moments might seem small, but in the grand scheme, they’re monumental. They are where love grows, bonds are strengthened, and the essence of God’s design for family is nurtured. Each action of love and care mirrors the heartbeat of God’s own love for us—constant, unwavering, and in the most unexpected details. These are holy encounters, reminders that God is present in the ordinary.
It’s in these slices of everyday life that we find the extraordinary grace of God.
He is there in the laughter, in the tears, and in the quiet moments when you’re simply watching your child sleep, marveling at the wonder of their existence. They’re moments where life’s truest treasures are found, where the God’s very presence touches us, reminding us that He desires to do life with us.
He is a loving Father who delights in the details of our lives, just as you do in your child’s. He wants to transform our perspectives, helping us to see each day not as a series of tasks to be completed but as a canvas for experiencing His love and sharing it with our children. By recognizing Him in these moments, we invite God into our daily routines, making every act of care a form of worship and every moment of connection a prayer.
Yes, He’s there even in those heated moments of frustration or when it’s necessary to correct and discipline your child. By expanding our awareness to see God at work in the ordinary, we enrich our own lives and set an example in the hearts of our children that they’ll hopefully remember. They learn to see the world and their place in it through eyes of wonder and hearts full of gratitude, recognizing that God is in everything and everywhere, loving and guiding us in every moment of our lives.
Embraced in Weakness
It’s no secret that motherhood comes with its share of challenges. There are days when self-doubt whispers loudly, and exhaustion weighs heavy on your shoulders. But in these moments of vulnerability, remember that God’s strength is perfected in our weakness.
No doubt you’ll have days that will test your limits and nights that will challenge your patience. These moments of weakness aren’t just inevitable; they’re essential to the fabric of your relationship with your children and with God. It’s in these vulnerable times that the true depth of God’s strength can be discovered and embraced. As you feel the weight of weariness, remember that God’s power is most vividly displayed not when you’re strong, but when you’re at your most fragile.
In every sigh, in every tear of frustration, there’s an invitation to lean into the strength that God freely offers.
The Holy Spirit is ever-present, ready to offer wisdom for every decision and strength for every step. When you feel overwhelmed, lean into the promise that you are never alone; God is with you, guiding you through every trial and triumph. His divine strength doesn’t always manifest as a sudden surge of energy or a miraculous resolution to every problem. More often, it’s a quiet assurance that you’re not alone, a gentle nudge to keep going, or the unexpected kindness of a friend or stranger that lightens your load.
God’s support may come through the words of your child, unexpectedly insightful, bringing a smile and a moment of respite. These are the ways God whispers to you in your weakness, reminding you that His grace is sufficient. His power is made perfect not just despite your weakness, but precisely because of it.
Embracing your weakness allows you to model grace and perseverance for your children. They learn the beauty of resilience not when they see you unbreakable, but when they watch you trust in God’s strength to rise again after a fall. This teaches them that their worth isn’t based on perfection, but on their ability to lean on God and find strength in Him. It’s a lesson that will equip them for their own challenges, showing them the path to walk in faith and reliance on God’s endless strength and love.
By acknowledging and embracing our moments of weakness, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s strength. In doing so, we not only navigate motherhood with grace and resilience but also impart invaluable lessons of faith and perseverance to our children. In every challenge, remember, you are enveloped in God’s strength, making every moment an opportunity to experience His profound love and support.
Grace for Every Moment
Lastly, let’s remember the grace that covers every aspect of motherhood. There will be moments of frustration, times when patience runs thin, and days when you feel you’ve fallen short. In those times, remember that God’s grace is sufficient.
You are the mother your child needs, chosen by God for this time and this purpose.
Rest in the knowledge that you are doing a great work, seen and supported by God in every moment.
This grace isn’t just a safety net for the times you fall; it’s the very air that breathes life into your journey, reminding you that perfection is not the goal—love is. It’s important to remember that grace is not earned by the flawless execution of parenting tasks but is freely given by God, who sees your heart, your efforts, and your unconditional love for your children.
Embracing this grace means acknowledging that mistakes are part of the journey. It means understanding that every misstep is an opportunity for growth, not just for you but for your children as well. They learn the power of forgiveness, the strength in vulnerability, and the beauty of grace through your example. This grace allows you to let go of harsh self-judgments and embrace each day with a fresh start, a renewed heart, and the knowledge that you are doing your best with God’s help.
Living in this grace empowers you to extend it to others, creating a ripple effect of love and understanding in your family and beyond. It nurtures an environment where your children feel safe to explore, make mistakes, and grow, knowing that their worth is not contingent on their achievements but on their inherent value as beloved children of God. This grace-filled perspective transforms your home into a sanctuary of love, where each member is supported, understood, and cherished.
In every hug, every word of encouragement, and even in every corrective guidance, let grace be your guide. Remember, in the journey of motherhood, God wants to lead you with grace, and for you follow Him with trust, knowing that His grace is enough for every moment, every challenge, and every joy.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s embrace the beauty and significance of motherhood, recognizing God’s presence in every moment of our lives. Mothers and grandmothers, know that your love, sacrifice, and care are a reflection of God’s love for His children. You are cherished, appreciated, and honored not just today but every day.