The Role of a Mother

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15 (nkjv)

Being a mother to four daughters is one of the hardest things I have ever done. From the moment they were born I have fed them, bathed them, brushed their hair and their teeth, read to them, and taken them to dance, cheerleading, piano, gymnastics, soccer, basketball, and swimming. I have sat through games, recitals, practices, and appointments. I have bought them clothes, contacts, shoes, and makeup. The list could go on and on. By doing all these things, I have shown my love for them.

But do they actually hear me say the words, “I love you”? Do they know consistently the feel of my arms around them? Am I so caught up in the busyness of carrying out that role of mother that I have forgotten my true calling as a mother—to be a godly role model? Am I investing my life to help them discover the gifts God has blessed them with? Do I faithfully pray with them each and every day? How often do I tell them that they are a blessing from God? Am I pointing them to the One who died on a cross for them?

Timothy had a sincere faith because his mother and grandmother built the foundation in his life. Lois and Eunice possessed faith that had no hypocrisy, and they passed on their faith to Timothy. Lois and Eunice set the compass of Timothy’s life. They set the compass toward eternity with God in heaven through faith in Christ. They set the compass to know the will of God. They set the compass to walk in the will of God no matter what. That is supremely the role of the mother.

Our children may not remember the cute designs a mother cuts their sandwiches into, but they will remember a mother on her face before God praying for them and thanking God for the gift of their lives. They will remember a mother who shapes the course of their early days to seek God’s honor because she lived every day to become more like Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Father, please grant me a pure heart that sees You and desires only You! May the course of my children’s lives be charted toward eternity. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, amen.