Seek Wise Counsel

Seek Wise Counsel

Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise. Proverbs 1:23

I could see that Lisa Anne was doing her best to console her crying newborn baby, but she wasn’t having much success.

“I’m a single mom and pretty much all alone except for my baby. Can you help me?” she asked, handing me the crying bundle. “I’m not sure I’m doing it right. I’m not even sure I know how to be a mother!”

I’m always honored when I’m invited to be a caregiver, especially in situations like this. It was obvious that Lisa Anne was intimidated by caring for her new baby.

“Tell me your concerns,” I said. “I’ll do whatever I can to help you.”

She began to pour out all her questions and concerns, beginning with when she left the hospital with her baby. It was easy to see that her fear of the future had a choke hold on her heart. She wanted to be the best mom she could be, but with a lack of good parenting role models in her life, she didn’t know how.

I listened intently and wrote down every question she asked—recording notes for her to take with her, containing detailed instructions on everything from feeding schedules to immunizations. Then I examined her bundle of joy—a healthy, squirming baby boy.

Over the next few years, Lisa Anne regularly brought her son in for well-baby checkups. She made sure he got his shots and made sure I answered all her questions. I tried not to overwhelm her with too much information as I guided her through each stage of her baby’s growth.

As quickly as her son grew in size, Lisa Anne grew in confidence as a mother. She continued to seek out wise counsel both for herself and for her baby until she was so confident in her skills as a mother that she was advising other young moms on the things she’d learned.

TODAY’S RX

Be willing to share your fears with a trusted friend, professional, or family member. They will learn what is important to you, and their advice will help you become wise.

Father, you are the Wonderful Counselor. You see me when I am overwhelmed, listen to my needs, and calm my fears. Thank you for putting trusted people in my life who care about me and help me in times of need.