Mom Heart Moments #303

In you and in your descendants shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

IN THE PAST FEW DAYS SINCE I’ve returned home from a ministry trip, I have had hours and hours to hear the heartbeats of my precious children. This week, I chose to carve out time to spend with my dear ones, leaving my suitcase packed, dishes on the counter, emails unanswered, texts unread. I have made my choice, because I know choices have consequences, and this is the best one I can make right now —focusing my heart, eyes, attention, and love on the precious treasures God entrusted into my hands.

Real moments of life have been shared deeply and will live on in my heart: one child in jammies next to me on the porch, with tea in hand and blankets folded up to our knees in the early morning chill of the mountains. Another, leaning against me on my small love seat, with a hand to hold and stroke, sharing lifetime dreams, wishes, secrets, and prayers.

Another coming to lie next to me one night just after I had climbed into bed, to talk deeply about life and all that is taking place. A long phone call, filled with antics, robust laughter, fears, stresses, and requests for affirmation. “Yes, I value you, your work, your efforts, your integrity. I am beyond blessed to be your mother.”

This is my joy: being the best friend and most trusted counselor of my dear children.

It starts on the rocking chair when you sing lullabies to infants, cuddling and rocking and playing childish games with toddlers, reading sweet books, giving playful back rubs, and listening to all their little hearts will pour out at bedtime. The staying up way beyond midnight and allowing teens to question, pour out, vent, share insecurities without criticism or lectures. The sharing of life —pointing them to His truth, His ways, His love —this is the essence of discipleship.

This is the secret of a blessed motherhood.

Your children are a blessing to the world, and to you, too. Breathe deep today and enjoy them.