To Be A Mom

 

Thirty years ago today I received the first of three wonderful gifts that would forever change and enrich my life. I was 27 years old and knew little of what to expect when this little soft bundle was laid in my arms. I can remember almost being afraid to hold her, afraid that she might break. Yet as I touched that soft little cheek and gazed on that sweet little face, I knew this had to be the best feeling in the world.

 

Scarcely one and a half years earlier, I had not been as fortunate. The soft little bundle that was laid in my arms then was not wiggling or squirming. Those little eyes would never open to see her Mom or Dad’s face. My first time to see her would also be my last. Being a Mom then didn’t feel so good. It hurt.

 

Through the years, and two more precious babies later, there have been ups and downs, good times and bad times, but I have to admit that even at those times when it hurt, I felt so thankful to be a Mom. What a privilege that God entrusted these precious lives to two, inexperienced young people to train and bring up in His nurture and admonition. I’m sure I often wondered what God must have been thinking since I felt so unqualified for the task. I often felt like Solomon who after becoming King of Israel prayed to God, “Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.” (1 Kings 3:7) There were times when I definitely did not know whether to go out or come in, whether to say yes or no, agree or disagree, laugh or punish, stand firm or give in, hang on or give up. Yet one thing I quickly learned as a new parent was that my inexperience was more than offset by God’s grace. God was always faithful to hear me when I called and like the psalmist I could say “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.” (Psalm 94:19)

 

And now, thirty years later, I am so thankful that God heard my prayer and let me be a Mom. Just as God heard Hannah’s prayer and blessed her with Samuel (1 Samuel 1-2), so He heard my prayer and blessed me with Stacy. And just as He visited Hannah again and blessed her with three more sons and two daughters, He blessed me with another daughter and son, Karla and Blake. Isn’t God good? He is not a far off God that is just concerned with important people and things. He comes near to even somebody like me, sees my need, and blesses me beyond anything I even knew to ask. Dear God, I thank You!

 

O Father, my Father,

Creator of all,

You orchestrate kingdoms

Yet hear when I call.

All power, all majesty,

You hold in Your hand,

Yet love beyond measure

You offer to man.

Giver of hope,

Grantor of dreams,

Thank You for loving

And caring for me.