Several weeks ago I had the privilege of giving a brief devotional at a friend’s baby shower. As I was thinking ahead of time about what to talk about, I settled on 3 things motherhood has taught me. I figured I’m still a young mom with a whole lot to learn, but talking about what God has taught me (and is teaching me) is always a good thing.
I’m glad the majority of you were not at that baby shower to hear me speak because yeah . . . I don’t really love speaking in front of people. But I DO love writing so I thought I would share my thoughts from that devotional here on my blog (and hopefully they’ll be a bit better in written form haha.)
3 Things Motherhood Has Taught Me
1. I don’t always know what to do
Yes, I know, this should be quite the obvious point, ha. But we all secretly like to think that “we’ve got this”, that for the most part we know what to do. In fact, when I was younger I enjoyed reminding my younger sisters that “Bekah knows best”. While I was being somewhat facetious, let’s be honest, I did kind of believe it.
Enter motherhood. Whew! I take it all back! Sometimes I feel like I don’t have a clue what I’m doing! I may have helped with my siblings growing up and nannied for multiple families, but having my own kids is a whole ‘nother cup of tea.
From the decisions you have to make when your baby is little (sleep/eat schedule, pediatrician, etc. etc.) to the difficult decisions involved with guiding and training them as they get older, parenting is not as straight forward as I once thought.
Yes, I often do not know what to do!
But I am glad that this is one of the things motherhood has taught me. Here’s why:
God has the wisdom I need.
When I’m running around thinking that I know what to do, I’m not going to ask God for wisdom. It’s when I realize that I really don’t have a clue – and I need help – that I remember to go to God.
James 1:5 – But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Prov. 3:5-6 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
2. I am not in control.
Oh boy, this is definitely one of the things motherhood has taught me!
From my birth experience with each of my children, to their sleep habits, to their behavior, it has been made quite clear to me that I am not in control.
We all want to be in control, right? It seems like life would be so much better if we could just control everything. But, since we don’t always know what to do (or perhaps often don’t know what to do), it’s a good thing we aren’t the ones in control.
God is in control and I’ll be much happier when I acknowledge that and stop trying to control things I can’t. And the good thing about knowing God is in control? I can have peace because I know He’s all-powerful AND all-good.
Prov. 16:9 – A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs His steps.
Phil. 4:6-7 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
3. I am more like my children than unlike them
You guys know that I love Paul Tripp’s book Parenting (see my full review here) and this is a phrase that he repeats over and over in the book. And it is so true. I have seen myself in my kids so many times!
I feel frustrated when one of my kids throws a fit about not getting his/her way, especially when what they want is not good for them! But when I pause for a moment and I think about it I can totally see myself.
How often have I questioned God and asked Him “why?” when I haven’t gotten what I prayed for, when what He’s actually doing is keeping me from something that is not good for me?!
Yes, motherhood continually shows me how like my children I am – but when I realize my similarity to my children I am also reminded of what a great Father I have!
God is a good, kind, loving Father who loves me more tenderly than any earthly parent ever could. What an awesome truth!
Psalm 103:13-14 – As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
Isaiah 49:15 – Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.
So, to wrap things up, as a mom I can rest in these truths: God knows what to do (though I often don’t), He is in control (even when things feel very out-of-control to me), and He loves me, His child, more than I can ever know.
What are some of the things motherhood has taught you? I’d love to hear them so share away in the comments!
