Motherhood is kingdom work. We’ve heard it said, “been there, done that, got the t-shirt.”
It’s been a sweet mission to raise my Gen-Xers in a simpler time – but it wasn’t without the frazzled moments of cooking meals for the finicky, cleaning up after cereal spills, trying to find the other sock when the school bus is pulling up, always having to be somewhere ten minutes ago – all and more while trying to have a quiet time in the middle of the wrestling and shouts of “Mine!” And it wasn’t without the painful moments of dealing with prodigals, illness and loss. Every stage is valuable in their lives and ours.
And we grow. And they grow.
I have deep admiration for my dear mom, my daughter and granddaughter – all moms of generational excellence. I often wonder if my mother would be the same parent today as she was in the 50s. Although the voices of culture have made radical changes in family life, I believe she would. Her wise child-rearing principles were unchanging. But she didn’t have a how-to book on how to raise a verna, so she did her best. Same here . . .
My journey in motherhood began in the mid-60s. I was a teen-mom to two by the time I was 20. Then I had two more, considered Xennials I guess, in the 70s. No google advice or manuals except by a guy named Dr Spock (which I never read).
Through the ages, God’s design for the amazing role of mother-dom is unchanging. It is the sacred mission to give life, nurture, teach and protect the gift of God. No matter the stage my children were growing through or the season I was going through, I have learned much from them. We lived slower and intentional. And over ancient time, I’ve learned you do not have to figure it all out —– today.
The added blessing of raising these wonderful humans is the blessing of their sweet begats. They have filled my journals with hard and beautiful stories that has taught me to cling tight and pray wild. As a young mom and as an old mom there are many things I wish I had done differently, but one will remain constant – to simply abide. It teaches us something grand and holy. We must nestle into the safe comfort of the Word.
Having children is a divine calling and learning to delight in them as God delights in us – is the unimaginable grace. Challenges are countless for the moms of today. They go a hundred miles a minute and feel guilty because they didn’t go a hundred and fifty. Modern moms are bombarded with information overload from countless experts. But the child will teach you more . . .
In the mix of dedication and distraction, where do we go for a grace-paced space to nourish our soul? Find it in the abide, even stolen moments . . .
To the one who is the wanna-be momma, the one who is the broken relationship momma, and grieving momma of the dear one missed, the waiting momma of a prodigal, and the everyday momma . . . I understand.
Rest here in Psalm 131 ~ O Lord my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty. Nor do I involve myself in great matters or in things too difficult for me. Surely I have composed and quieted my soul like a weaned child rests against his mother. My soul is like a weaned child with in me.
To the momma, gramma and great, auntie and spiritual momma and mentor ~ be encouraged and be an encourager. Please join us this September 26 2026 for THE REAL MOM Conference at Immanuel Leidy’s Church in Souderton. Information and registration on http://moreofhimministries.org
(photo courtesy of dear granddaughter, Bri)
Verna
Beautiful writing filled with truth and hope, Verna! Thank you!
Verna, I identify with you and wish some of those early years back, not only because they were fun and heartwarming, but a chance to do things differently, too. But I wasn’t a senior with a lot of living behind me. Just trying to do the right thing with the Lord’s help. Indeed it was a “sweet mission.” Thanks for sharing your beautiful post. Happy Mother’s Day!