The thing about mothering ...
Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 07:37AM It's always a helpful thing to be given advice and assistance from other mothers. I have found that very helpful at all stages during my almost-21 years of mothering. Sometimes, though, the advice just doesn't do it, because kids are all different and what works for some may not work for other. I know from having spoken to teenagers that being lumped in the same category as one's own sibling can be frustrating, never mind being lumped in with kids in general. Little Johnny may not care to be treated as an individual when he's four, but when he's fourteen, it is an issue.
So, yes, while the advice is good -- and there are mothering books out there galore, and mothers galore who will advise -- I have found one thing to be far more compelling in my own life.
Are you ready? It's earth shattering ... well, maybe not... I'm just being overly dramatic.
What I learn about who God is and who I am and what is the nature of sinful man has been far more helpful in advising me in the parental role than just about any piece of advice anyone has ever given me. Mothering books, full of practical tips and helps are good, but there is no substitute for a deep study of who God is and who we are. One thing about mothering is that it reveals how truly selfish we can be. That may sound odd, because when we think of mothers, we generally think of them staying up late with illness and the like. We do indeed do that. But we are, at heart, selfish, sinful beings, and learning how to deal with my own heart is the first step toward guiding and helping my children and coping with the stress that is involved.
If I was to suggest a book to give a mother for Mother's Day, this is what it would be: The ESV Study Bible.
Reader Comments (3)
Oh my, Kim, that's pretty radical. Not many would consider the ESV Study Bible an appropriate gift for Mother's Day.
But I absolutely agree with you. Nothing would be better.
Amen and amen! I've begun to think that problems with life are theologically based. We can find the root and solution by knowing God and knowing ourselves in the light of His Word.
I absolutely agree: We are so selfish...and only the Word of God can help us see our sinfulness, and show us the way out.
May His Holy Spirit open our eyes to see clearly what being a mom really means.