Mothering is Not the Ultimate Goal of Being a Mom

I’m a great fan of mothering, as you may have noticed.  Ever since I was a child my biggest desire was to be a mom, and when I asked Him to tell me specifically what He’d called me to be, it was reiterated:”A mother,” which was an interesting thing to say to an unmarried girl of 18 who was hoping to be a missionary or pastor’s wife.

Being an intentional mom means having a long list of things we want to do. We want to spend time with our kids, we want to teach them what they need to know, we want to be involved with their everyday lives. We want to know all about every conversation they have.  We want to make sure they pick the right people as friends (the ones we’d choose, of course!)  We want to make sure they love God because we know the repercussions to their lives if they don’t, as well as the manifold joys they’ll experience if they do. Mothering our children well becomes our main focus.

I recently read a statement by Priscilla Shirer that made me pause. She said:

 “Mothering is not the ultimate goal of being a mom, revealing Christ to the children is.”   

It’s a great statement because you could put any profession/calling in the first part of that sentence and the end could still be the same.  Selling the largest amount of homes in the area isn’t the ultimate goal of being a realtor; revealing Christ to the buyers and sellers is.  Making the touchdown isn’t the ultimate goal of being a quarterback in the NFL; revealing Christ to your teammates and the viewers is. Having a zillion readers isn’t the ultimate goal of being a writer; revealing Christ to the women you serve is.

It’s a different way of looking at things, isn’t it? Revealing Christ in our lives in every area is dependent upon dying to ourselves, taking up our crosses and following Him wherever He leads.  To reveal Christ to my kids, I’m going to need to lay aside my own desires and goals.  I’m going to have to put on Christ’s patience and love.  I’m going to need to meet their needs first.  I’m going to have to listen when they speak, and really try to hear their hearts.  They will see Jesus first in us, moms–if we’re willing to step aside, and if He’s there to be seen.

Today, go for the ultimate!  Offer your body as “a living sacrifice,” as He says.  Let Him use you to show your children His love for them.  Do what you were created to do–bear the image of the God of the universe.  Let your children see that He offers them a nurturing relationship of understanding and compassion that is never-ending!

What do you think of this idea of revealing Christ to your children becoming the main point of what you do as a mom? 

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I have another great giveaway for you today–a supergiveaway, if I do say so myself!

First of all, Brooke McGlothlin of The MOB Society (for Mothers of Boys!) has graciously offered us FIVE copies of her wonderful book full of prayers for our boys … Warrior Prayers! This book is full of scriptural prayers for our sons, as well as spiritual truths that all moms should ponder. It’s truly a great addition to your arsenal if you’re a mom! Make sure you go visit Brooke’s site for great inspiration and encouragement for those of us in the trenches with boys!

And on top of that, I also have this …

 

DaySpring is a wonderful company carrying beautiful, inspirational, uplifting home decor items that I know you will love. It’s part of my goal to surround my family with scripture and reminders of our faith, and they have tons of great ways to help me reach that goal! This vase is even more beautiful in person than it looked in the picture I saw online. It’s heavy and beautifully designed! The coasters are great, too–and such a help to this mama of many, especially the ones who like to leave their drinks lying around (ahem!) They’re embellished with scriptures and cool designs which would go well with a wide variety of decor. And today I get to give away one of these beautiful vases! Inscribed, “He has made everything beautiful in its time,” this multi-purpose vase is a wonderful addition to your dinner table. I have been so impressed with everything DaySpring offers, and I know you’ll love them, too! If you win, I’ll pass along a code to make the vase free and you will only pay shipping.

To enter both of these contests, just leave a comment below! Thank you so much for joining me today!

 

**Update: Winners of Warrior Prayers: Julie, Brianna Preston, Jessica Jenson, Darcy Zahaykevich, and M. Herron!

Winner of Dayspring Vase: Melissa Gardner! Congratulations, ladies! Please email me so I can pass your gifts along!*

*I received this set of products free in exchange for this review; the opinions expressed, however, are all my own!)

*if you’ve enjoyed this article and would like to keep up-to-date on new offerings as well as the release of my upcoming Back to Homeschool ebook, please subscribe using the box at the upper right corner of the page, and/or like my facebook page using the button! Thank you so much for joining me here!*