A large package came in the mail today. In it contained a brand new car seat we had ordered for a soon-to-be young mom from our bible study with military couples. As I stood there glancing at it, I became acutely aware of my emotions over 12 years ago when I became a mom for the first time with our own son. Funny how a simple object can distract my mundane to a pinpointed moment from the past.

How eager I was to meet him. What excited trepidation, yet beaming with high hopes for the future. Then there was the terrifying aspect of raising a human being despite my own sinful inadequacies in a fallen and broken world.

Motherhood Roadmap

When I became a mother, I did not receive a roadmap that outlined every detail of what lay ahead. All I knew is that if I were going to navigate this journey into motherhood, I would need to look up…to Christ, and dive even more into His Word. We are in a culture today where there is a myriad of books, magazines, and websites with all the how-to’s of parenting. Opinions spring forth from everywhere! And although some of these can be helpful, they can stir within us fear and anxiety to be perfect or have it all together. It can also cause us to question our own mothering skills by comparing ourselves with others. More importantly, they can distract us from a simple trust in God.

For me, I knew if God were calling me to do this most important work, He would equip me to do it. If I believe those passages that promise that, “He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5b); or “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3), I had to live it out.

But how?

It is quite simple, really. I go to His Word (the true roadmap) and I cast everything upon Jesus, who knows my frame and remembers that I am dust. The truth of the matter is, I will not have it all figured out. There will be good days. There will be hard ones. In fact, sometimes I even question my own abilities as a mother. But this is the glorious truth that I do not want to miss, it is all about His power working through me and in the lives of my children. Not how perfect I am! Because when I am weak, He is faithful to show Himself stronger. And as I commit my ways to Him and His Word, He will lead me one step at a time as I pour forth my energies, time, and sacrifices (no matter how small) towards them. It all matters.

So here I am 12 years later. And this same sweet boy crept up to me after bedtime with a curious and troubled face. He was holding a recent fictional book in his hand, whereas he proceeded to share with me his concern from a small written section that displayed two boys, “crushing on each other.” He had questions like, “Mom, why did they have to add this? Should I get rid of this book now?” He wanted answers. Moments like this seem to happen unexpectedly (especially when Glen is not here, who is currently at field training!). However, these are never a surprise to God. Realizing this was a divine moment, I sat up alert. I needed to listen. After our discussion, we sprawled out onto the floor, hugged, and I prayed for him. I prayed that God would give him wisdom, great courage, and discernment as he seeks to understand.

This is the world we live in. And whatever season I am in, I want to be present. I do not want to miss out on these key moments to connect and shepherd. Here lies the beautiful gift of motherhood. Unforeseen connections that are given by our Father. As we cling to His Word, cast all upon Him, and pay attention, He will be faithful to guide us each minute step of the way.

So dear mom-to-be, I say to you. Stay calm. Soak up every moment. You will need Him more than ever before, and that is the best place to be.