I became a mother at the extremely young age of 20. Really, probably before that. I would say around the age of 18. I had not yet conceived any children of my own. I met my husband when I was 17. He was 20 and had 1-year old daughter. At the time, it didn’t really bother me. However, we moved in together when I was 18 years old, I found myself playing the role as her mother more often. Less than a month after my 19th birthday he gained full custody of his daughter. The following year we married and welcomed our first son a year after that when I was 21. There were definitely some challenges when it came to blending our family. Especially when we began to have children of our own. We had different parenting styles and opinions on how things should be done. We were young and hadn’t quite come into our God-given wisdom. We were still learning parenting skills. I often searched for books and resources to get us through difficult conversations and situations thinking, “There has to be someone going through what I am going through! I cannot be the only woman experiencing this.” I never found any books or any resources. I just did the best that I could. Of course, it wasn’t easy. Of course, I made several mistakes. There are things I wish I could’ve been differently or better. But I learned and I grew. I’m now 29 years old we have a 13-year-old daughter and 3 sons 3 years apart.
I normally don’t put much thought into Mother’s Day. For me, it’s every day is Mother’s Day. Besides that, I never get a day off anyway. This year, the night before Mother’s Day, I opened my Bible not in search of anything related to Mother’s Day but with intent to end my day in prayer and reflection and I was led to the first book of Matthew. When I came to Matthew 1:18, I knew the scripture was going to speak to me directly. At this point in the Book of Matthew, it begins to explain how Joseph accepted Jesus as his son. He had planned to divorce Mary. I imagine because it was an extremely difficult situation. You know? With Mary being with child before they were to wed. A lot of times we too encounter some extremely difficult situations when we are trying to blend a family. Our spouse may come with a different set of circumstances. However, an angel appeared and explained the child’s purpose to Joseph. Now, we don’t know what our children’ s purpose is in life but we do know that God has given purpose to each and every one us. And it’s a blessing that God entrusts you to help fulfill his divine purpose through a child. He entrusts you to love and train them up just as they were your very own.
Being a mother is a blessing. Honestly, being a parent is a blessing. Whether you have conceived, inherited, or adopted a child. God has already equipped you for those difficult times and conversations that may arise. I learned that there is no handbook. There is no strategic plan for parenting that can be found on the internet. Sometimes your situation may seem unique. You may not find someone who has gone through anything that you’ve gone through. But you can have faith that your already equipped for the journey. And you can feel honored that God appointed you to raise up a child. Parenting can be challenging. You want your child to be happy, successful, and have their own relationship with Christ. In this world today that may seem difficult. But remember, the Angel told Joseph, “do not be afraid.” You to have nothing to worry about. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NIV. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5 NIV. I didn’t have all of the answers. I still don’t have all of the answers. But I have faith that God will get me through this leg of my journey through wisdom and strength and I can continue to love Him, love people, and love all of my children.
Be blessed!
Shateveon
XOXOXO
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