PROVERBS 31:10–31 DESCRIBES a virtuous woman. You can read the entire passage, but because of lack of space, I want to concentrate on verses 25–29 (NLT). “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: ‘There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!’ ”
Mothers, I want you to ponder several questions in this column as we celebrate Mother’s Day. Will your children stand and bless you? What kind of example are you in their lives? Are you an inspiration they can follow, or will they look to someone else as their example?
Mothers have been given a powerful responsibility. The home revolves around the mother. Children will learn more about God in the home and from their home life than any other place. You don’t have to say much to teach children about God. Your attitudes, actions, and the values you live by all teach your children how important God is or isn’t to you.
The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
What standard do you live by? Does it teach your children how important God is in your life? Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” That scripture was indelibly and consistently impressed upon me during my childhood. It was the cornerstone upon which I built my life and upon which I raised our children. It is very important to commit to making your home a true Christian home by placing God at the center of everything you do.
Satan is bringing an intensive attack against the home. It is important to realize that and strengthen your relationships. Spend time with your children. You can be so busy providing for them that you fail to spend time with them. Giving them your time is just as important as providing things. In fact, children often desire your time more than any gift you might purchase for them.
Always encourage your children. In preparing my children for success in life, I always spoke encouraging words to them. I constantly reminded them that with God as their partner, anything they desired to accomplish in life was attainable. No mountain was impossible to climb with God on their side.
Remember that your smile and approval are so important to your children. Don’t concentrate so much on perfecting your children that you fail to praise them for their accomplishments during each phase of their lives.
As mothers, we tend to look for the imperfections and try to improve those flaws. But take time to praise your children. Recognize what they do well and overlook some of the imperfect things.
For instance, when teaching your children to make their bed, don’t be critical if they don’t get it exactly perfect. Find something they have done well and compliment that. Children yearn for affirmation. A kind word or compliment goes a long way in building each child’s self-confidence.
Motherhood is an awesome responsibility with multiple tasks. Moms give birth, nurture, and train their children. Then they must learn to let go of them. At times, it is difficult to find the balance among all these tasks.
As you start to raise your children, you begin to realize that your mother may have been a very strong person. You might wonder, “Can I ever fit into her shoes?”
No, wear your own shoes. You may never do things exactly as your mother did. However, if you came from a Christian home as I did, your mother gave you the pattern upon which to build. And that pattern is to bring up your children in the ways of the Lord.
In Proverbs 22:6, God promised that if we would train up our children in the way they should go, when they are old, they will not depart from it. Though your children may wander in their teen years, it is important to keep your faith and hold on to God’s promise.
If you were not brought up in a Christian home, decide today that you will begin that godly pattern for your children to follow. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day! If your mother is still alive, let her know how much you appreciate and love her.
Author
Lynette Hagin
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