To Moms

Mothering with all of its nurturing is the most important work a woman will ever do in her life. From the time the egg is fertilized, the mother is nurturing with God's miracle of creative power. From the minute you hold your baby that another woman gave birth to, you are nurturing your baby. God does a creative work in all who nurture. Loving, guiding, teaching, correcting, having fun with, crying with.
When our children are older, our nurturing takes a different form. We have discovered our nurtured baby is growing up and is quite embarrassed to be seen getting a hug and a kiss. So now our loving care takes form more in words of encouragement and praise--the hugs and kisses will come again.
One day when the last diaper is washed and folded (wait a minute, now you know what era I'm from!) and other signs of babyhood have disappeared from around the house, you may find yourselves jumping up and down in celebration for a job well done so far.
Jr. High and High School is right around the corner. Steadyyyyyy...steady, there is nothing to fear! You can still nurture. Now the nurturing takes form in leaving notes in their room that have nothing to do with cleaning the room. You know they love homemade bread and chocolate chip cookies. Do you remember those smells when you came home from school? It says, this is my home, I belong here. Kids of this age may not communicate much about anything, but all along you and the Lord have helped to create memories for children. Memories nurture. If you have a child that loves to communicate, you are blessed!
Have confidence in the nurturing gift you have been given by God! It's a beautiful thing. One day, you will sit back when all your children are grown and watch them relate to their siblings as adults. They actually love each other and like being together! This is the fruit of God's gift of nurturing.
"The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world." That's an old phrase we don't hear much anymore, but I think it's true. It defines the influence we have in our children and then the influence they will go on to be in the world.
Have a blessed Mother's Day, you're doing a great job!!