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When asked what I always wanted to be when I grew up, in a questionnaire for my 10 year high school reunion, I replied, "A mother". My answer is still the same. I have found motherhood to be my greatest ministry. Motherhood has provided the truest of joys since my first child was born 15 years ago. I wonder if anyone else teeters between bursting with joy and bursting with frustration. I have learned so much about God's love, His patience, and how He must hurt when we go astray, make bad choices, and when we suffer. The Lord in His great love for me has used motherhood to reveal areas in me, that need refining, softening and growth. There are plenty of times I think I am failing; not doing enough; losing my patience. But, soon enough, the Holy Spirit reminds me that although I am not perfect, He is and His grace is sufficient. Honestly, there are times where I am blown away that God would trust me with these little people's lives and that He would desire to partner with me, to show them who they are in Christ, and how great His love is for them.
I am in awe at the creativity God gives to mothers and how He fashions each one specifically for their unique family. I have found the most freedom to be myself within the walls of my little Slyker Team, with singing, dancing, and celebrating God's goodness and His amazing creation. It doesn't mean that life is perfect- but rather, that through His spirit, we can bring joy, peace and beauty into our home. He created the first home that expressed His characteristics of creativity, beauty, color, majesty, art and tranquility. He invites us to dine at his exquisite table that He prepares for us. I am so thankful for the mothers and grandmothers that have passed on a legacy to their children and allowed the Lord to take their unique gifts to be the mothers that He created them to be. God can make something beautiful out of any yielded life to Him. As I prepare to share a message of hope to mothers in Honduras, specifically single expectant mothers, I will share with them that motherhood is a divine calling-not just a lifestyle. It has eternal value and is the avenue in which the reality of God's kingdom is passed on from generation to generation. "Through our teaching, and influence, morality can be learned and modeled. Love and kindness are taught and received. Purpose and vision are passed on. The real ability of a mother to secure such a spiritual legacy is based on the strength of her relationship with her child. As we tenderly care for our children meeting their needs, teaching them and guiding them. Praying for them and modeling our faith, we are also anchoring their hearts to our home, our values and our beliefs." Sally Clarkson We know that when we look around, we don't always see these ideals being lived out, and it's almost paralyzing to see the brokenness and think that our tiny efforts could possibly make a difference. Jesus said in John 10:10, "I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly." As Christ followers, we are life givers. and we can bring life into our homes as we present the life of Christ in us. I find great comfort in this and pray you will trust Him to make your ordinary days, opportunities to hear His whispers; see His beauty and redemption; and experience His love. Feliz Dia de Las Madres |
