What makes a mother happy? As a mother, it makes me happy to see my kids grow up to be responsible, respectful, loving, honorable, etc., but mostly God fearing. When these attributes are evident it makes me a “happy” mother knowing that all my sacrifices and efforts were worth it.
We are asking about “happy mothers” because it is almost Mother’s Day but we could actually ask that question to any parent, male or female.
We celebrate Mother’s or Father’s Day nationally as a designated time for children to give honor to those who have loved them, especially sacrificially.
My mother went to heaven 42 years ago, but she deposited much valued character and Godly convictions in me before she left. She was not a “do as I say, not as I do” mom but taught me by showing me and telling me what was right. Looking back, she must have suffered greatly while teaching this hard headed kid the many lessons I needed to learn. I do believe that if she were here today that she would be a happy mother who’d say that her time and efforts were worth the sacrifices made.
I also have a spiritual mother (and father) who has made many sacrifices of time and effort to love me. The life lived before me demonstrated a Godly example that taught me how to honor God and others even when it was difficult to do. When I needed correction or encouragement, time was always spent to provide wisdom and support appropriately. Recently I was told that the sacrifices made were well worth it and that she was a happy spiritual mother.
It gives me great joy to give honor to my biological and spiritual parents. The best way I know to do that is to live a life that imitates their qualities which includes investing my time to teach, encourage and correct others.
It also blesses me to have two children of my own who honor me not only on Mother’s Day but the attributes they exhibit honors me every day. The older they get the more they look like me. All the sacrifices I have ever made for them have proven to be worth it. They are truly my pride and joy.
When speaking to this particular congregation in I Thessalonians 2:19, Paul, Silas and Timothy talks about their glory and joy. As spiritual parents, they lived a life according to the Word of God while suffering severe afflictions. (vs.1:5)
Paul bragged on them in vs.6 for imitating their parental example when they too went through times of affliction. He even boasted about the fact that others were talking about their behavior (vs. 9). Sounds like a happy parent to me!
I love it when others tell me how great my kids are. Why? Because there is no better way to honor one who has invested their life then to see evidence that it served an honorable purpose and produced good fruit. This is true especially when the good fruit shows up during difficult times.
When I know that my kids do the right thing, when it is the hard thing to do, I am satisfied that my valued character and Godly convictions will live on when I’m gone. Paul said it well in vs. 5:8 “…now we live if you are steadfast in the Lord.”
Are you a “happy” parent? Consider the opportunities in parenting. Any sacrifices are but for a season but the rewards are eternal!
Check out the Parenting chapter in my book “Character Blocks” to learn more. If you haven’t picked up a copy yet go to: www.terrydonelson.com.
And to all you moms…Happy Mother’s Day!
Many Blessings,
Dr. Terry