The Sacred Calling of Motherhood: Every Moment Matters

What if the most important work you'll ever do is happening in the ordinary moments of your day?

As Mother's Day (May 11th) approaches, I've been reflecting on Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."

This verse isn't just a nice sentiment for a greeting card. It's a profound calling—a divine assignment that God has entrusted specifically to you.

Even as my children are older I look at them and am humbled that God put three people into my care. 

For me to see them as they are not as I want them to be.

For me to love them as He loves me.

For me to encourage them as He encourages me.

For me to point them to Him so that they have a rock to stand on.

The Weight and Wonder of Shaping Hearts

When God placed that precious child in your arms, whether through birth, adoption, or the blending of families, He wasn't just giving you someone to care for physically. He was entrusting you with a soul to shape.

Think about that for a moment.

The Creator of the universe looked at you and said, "I'm entrusting this little heart to your care. I believe in you to guide them toward Me."

That's both humbling and empowering, isn't it?

And we should embrace the humbling part so that we recognize we don't have all the answers 

 When pride comes [boiling up with an arrogant attitude of self-importance], then come dishonor and shame, But with the humble [the teachable who have been chiseled by trial and who have learned to walk humbly with God] there is wisdom and soundness of mind Proverbs 11:2

We should be empowered to know God who knew us before we were formed in the womb knew that this child you have belongs with you.  

Small Moments, Eternal Impact

Sometimes as mothers, we can feel like our days are filled with insignificant tasks:

But what if these aren't just tasks?

What if they're holy opportunities?

In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, God instructs parents: "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

God knew that faith formation happens in the everyday moments—not just in grand gestures or Sunday services, but in the ordinary rhythm of daily life.

Sometimes we are so exhausted we don't take those small moments to be present.  We are thinking of the next thing and not enjoying or living in the current thing. 

I am trying to turn off music  or podcast when in the car with another person and instead take that time to have a conversation.  Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't but it is getting a little easier each time I try.  

The Legacy of a Mother's Faith

In 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul writes to Timothy: "I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also."

Timothy's spiritual foundation wasn't built by chance. It was intentionally laid by his mother and grandmother, who understood their sacred calling to shape his heart toward God.

Their influence was so profound that Paul—one of the greatest apostles—recognized it as the foundation of Timothy's ministry.

What a powerful reminder that your influence as a mother extends far beyond what you can see today!

What do you want your children to remember about you?

The fact that the house was perfect or that their mom was present in their lives.  

The fact that dinner was always on time or that they know how to cook because you let them in the kitchen with you?

The fact that they had lots of name brand clothes or that you created experiences that they will always remember?

The fact that you served at church or that you talked about your faith and doubts to them?

Embracing Your Calling with Grace

If you're feeling overwhelmed by this calling (and honestly, who wouldn't be?), remember this: God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called.

You don't have to be perfect.

You don't have to have all the answers.

You simply need to keep pointing your children toward the One who does.

As you embrace this sacred calling of motherhood, remember:

At Olive Grove Life we try to make it easier for you to share scriptures with our prints for children's rooms.   Livelier and cute they blend in.  But still let you share a scripture without you having to memorize it.  

Imagine your child being able to quote a scripture because it hung on his wall and night after night it was told to him.  

As Mother's Day approaches, I pray you'll see your role with fresh eyes—not just as a caretaker, but as a heart-shaper, entrusted by God with the most important work you'll ever do.

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." – 3 John 1:4

Celebrating your sacred calling,