Setting a foundation of love
"If you want to change the world, go home and love your family." — Mother Teresa
Jesus is the tree that bears fruit. He is the source of water and life. He made you in his image. A mother — fearfully and wonderfully created to do good things that were planned long ago. A fruit bearer and life giver. Sharing in the heart of Jesus to point your children to the heartbeat of life.
The love of God.
You Mama, are a masterpiece, created anew. Every. Single. Day.
I remember giving birth to my first born. I was filled with emotions of anxiety, excitement and wonder. I felt as if I was on a roller coaster ride. Not at all ready for the twists and turns but so ready for the adventure ahead. It is such a beautiful mystery. To have a human being woven so perfectly and intricately inside a mother's womb is nothing short of a miracle.
You were created to care for a miracle. You were created to bear fruit, and a life that holds promise of the future. You were created and you are capable of love beyond your measure because in your weakness, HE is strong.
Love covers sins and bears burdens. Love will shine brighter than your darkest days when the laundry pile remains on the floor and the outbursts of anger are quick on your tongue. When the days get long, and you feel like you have nothing left. When your baby or toddler is up all hours of the night and ready to go for the day at 5:00 a.m. When you have several little ones constantly calling out for something at the same time and you feel like you can not breathe or be stretched any further, let love and grace pour over your heart.
Pull your child in for a tight hug and a kiss and whisper into their ear how they are created for great things, and how God has a special plan for their life. Breathe in the moment of chaos and rest in acknowledging that these moments are not easily re-created. Share a moment of laughter or tears of triumph. Talk about your favorite things and the best and hardest part of the day. Tell your child what it is you love specifically about them.
You are setting a foundation of love that will change your child's life and leave a legacy few things in life ever will. You are changing the world.
Because that is what love was always intended to do.
The moment that my baby boy entered this world I immediately felt a love I had never fully known before. It was in that moment that I became overwhelmed with how great God's love is for each and every one of his children. It is a love that stretches over sleepless nights, sick days, lonely struggles, heartfelt disappointments, feelings of failure and inadequacy. An infinite and unconditional love.
A love that changed my life.
Love at all times, regardless of circumstances. Love when it is easy to love your children and love when it is hard to love your children. Love when you don't know how to love in your flesh and be confident in knowing the Spirit has filled us with a spirit of peace and love that surpasses all we know or understand.
Whether a baby was woven in your very womb, or spoken to your heart and later placed in your arms, God had you in mind for that child. Only you can know how to love, discipline, teach, lead, encourage, and reach the heart of your child.
When you do not feel like you have the wisdom to lead, lead with your heart. Remind your child that they are deeply loved, treasured and that you are on their side. You are for them, and they have great things in store for their future.
It may seem cliche, but I can not help but be reminded of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and in place of "Love" — what if we put in "Mother"?
"A mother is patient, she is kind. She does not envy, she is not boastful, she is not conceited, she does not act improperly, she is not selfish, she is not provoked, and she does not keep a record of wrong. She finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. She bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
She loves without guilt, shame or condemnation. She loves even when she fails, because she is a child of God and there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). She loves because she has been granted the gift of a miracle, because God has deemed her worthy—more than rubies or gold (Proverbs 31:10).
"Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." — 1 Corinthians 13:13
Set a foundation of love that leads to a future of promise.
That is your role Mama. You can do it. Set the tone for your household. You were given a role of great importance and even in those moments when we feel as though we can not fulfill that role, you muster up everything in you to reach toward our heavenly father because there are futures and legacies at steak for a Kingdom of glory.
Warmest hugs-
