When I think of the word embrace, I think about gripping or holding onto something, a welcoming hug, acceptance, drawing closer to. When I think about embracing my role as a mom, I think about all the challenges I have and continue to accept, relying on God to strengthen me and give me wisdom to do all that motherhood requires. I also consider all of those little moments I bring my children in close to my heart to remind them that nothing will ever separate my love for them.
No matter what I face as a mom, I embrace it. Not always gracefully, there are times when tears come with a little resistance in my heart, but that isn’t because I don’t want to be a mom, it is because I want to be the best mom! I have to remind myself often that it’s not about perfection. It’s about bringing glory to God by loving well and raising children who know Him well.
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
and establish the work of our hands upon us;
yes, establish the work of our hands! – Psalm 90:17
Do you ever think about all the work of our hands our children will see?
Your child’s perspective and vantage point of your hands are what they see all day.
Our children will see our hands work and age as the years go on.
They will see…
Our hands measuring as we bake with them, showing them how to follow directions.
Our hands buttoning up their sweaters and zipping up their jackets.
Our hands holding theirs.
Our hands tickle rubbing their arms because it feels good to them.
Our hands buckling them into their car seats, strollers, and high chairs.
Our hands applying sunscreen as they squirm.
Our hands disciplining them, pointing, and waving back and forth to signal “no, no”
Our hands washing their little bodies.
Our hands holding theirs teaching them to pray.
Our hands blowing them a kiss.
Our hands wiping their tears and holding their cheeks to tell them something important.
Our hands applying oils.
Our hands changing their diapers.
Our hands holding theirs to help them learn to walk.
Our hands making them peanut butter and jelly.
Our hands clipping their nails.
Our hands following words as we read, hoping they follow along.
Our hands tracing letters and teaching them how to count.
Our hands playing in the dirt next to theirs.
Our hands making play dough pie.
Our hands picking up their clothes and their toys.
Our hands tucking them into bed at night or picking them up in the morning…
I could keep going, but I think you see what I see…from their little perspective and as they grow, they see their mama’s hands doing the work of the Lord, serving them and loving them. And when they are older, they will hold our hands again, aged, wrinkled, and worn in with great love…and they will remember all the little ways our hands blessed them.
Commit the work of your hands to the Lord. Embrace what and who He has for you! Remember it is not about perfection. It is about bringing glory to God!