What kind of Mom do you want to be?

The Keepers Ministry Team hopes you had a special Mother’s Day!

There has been a lot of press lately about moms: from tiger moms to attachment parenting. I have found that one of the best sources of parenting wisdom is a godly, older woman who has raised her children under the admonition of the Lord. Marcia Newkirk is such a woman. Here are some of her thoughts on parenting:

What kind of Mom do you want to be?

by Marcia Newkirk

Parenting is a life-long, joy-filled, God-given gift. From the moment of hearing that you are pregnant until you leave this earth, you will remain in this truly humbling role! Our position as parents remains the same but our responsibilities and the way we demonstrate love changes throughout a child’s life. In this short space available, allow me a few moments to encourage you in this precious gift from God, the job of parenting.

God’s Word says that Children are a gift from the Lord; babies are a reward. ( Psalm 127:3). Sometimes in the midst of all the labor of parenting we forget that God gave us our children as a gift. He personally created each and every one of them. He knit them together in your womb: He chose their personality, hair color, height, gifts, and needs. Pause today and thank God for giving you the privilege of being a part of His plan by living out the love and care of being a mother.

Are your children in the right position of priority in your life? Do you place God first, your husband next and children after that? If not, spend sometime today asking God to remind and help you put children in their proper place. Does your world revolve around your child? Are you living your childhood over again through your child? Many children spend an entire lifetime getting over their parents. Oh how I pray we nurture and encourage our children in such a way that they grow to become mature independent believers.

What is the goal of parenting? Are you so caught up in homework, laundry, dentist appointments, soccer practice, haircuts, and carpools that you forget what the big picture actually looks like? Our precious little ones are in the process of outgrowing us from birth until they are mature and are living on their own. Each step of the way should be cause for celebration as they learn, practice, try, and even fail in their journey toward maturity. Remember to encourage and teach your child in each season of life the tools and truths that will enable him or her to be a mature, godly adult.

Is living and teaching God’s Word a priority in your home? Don’t miss the day to day opportunities to train up your child in the way he should go and when he is mature he will not leave it behind (Proverbs 22:6). Pray with your child over big things and small things. Teach your child by your words and actions that you believe who God is and trust Him in every circumstance.

Enjoy your child. Summer is fast approaching. Do you dread the time out of school or relish the extra time to do life with your child. Whatever your attitude, your child will know it. There are many resources available for ideas on summer activities, don’t miss out on the sheer joy and wonder of seeing summer through your child’s eyes.

As our children mature, we remain their parents, but our roles change dramatically. When our child marries, our parenting begins a brand new chapter. Scripture teaches that a man and woman should leave their parents and cleave to each other. As parents, we need to encourage this in our grown children. Don’t interfere; don’t share your opinion unless asked. Lower your expectations of what your married child should do for you; enjoy this new chapter in life, but be sure you encourage your child to cleave to his wife NOT his mother. Many young couples face challenging days from trying to still please parents. Don’t be a mom that makes it hard to be your adult child.

Time doesn’t permit a new discussion on the thoughts of getting along with your parents or in-laws. We shall save that for another day. Many of us are extremely blessed with enjoying our children’s children! We shall save that discussion for a future article as well. For now, pause for a few moments and reflect on what kind of parent you want to be. Will your children rise up and call you blessed as the Proverbs 31 woman? Whether you have a toddler or a young adult returning from college, you have an opportunity to make a lasting impact on your child. Slow down! Smell the roses, play a game, enjoy a cup of coffee, talk, share life. We have today with our child; don’t be so busy and distracted you miss it.

(Marcia Newkirk has been blessed to be married to her best friend (Pastor Dennis Newkirk) for the past 41 years. They have 3 grown sons each with a precious wife, and 4 perfect grandchildren! She loves to study God’s Word, read, work in the garden, walk/run, and loves sharing her time with her church family. She enjoys hospital visits, homebound visits, and any encouragement she can give to others. She is an R.N. who seeks to use her gifts and passion to encourage and bless her church family. Marcia teaches the Personal Spiritual Growth Skill Session in the updated Keepers DVD set.)