THE ROLE OF THE MOTHERS

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you” (Exo 20:12). Both fathers and mothers have a great responsibility to take care, protect and provide for the spiritual and physical needs of their children. Today, we shall only look at the duties of mothers. A mother carries her child in her body for nine months. She bonds with her baby even before he is born. She delivers him through pain. Once the baby is born, she feels a great desire to protect, provide, comfort and guide her children. The first time the child receives love, acceptance, understanding and teaching is from his mother. The babies of animals are born quite strong, and many walk that same day. Not so with humans. Babies are completely dependent upon their mother to survive. Because the mother spends many hours with her child, she becomes the most influential person in his life. The work of a mother is complex and not always appreciated. The mother prepares the food for her baby. She prepares him for school. She guides him when doing homework. She stays awake when the child is sick and helps him to recover. She prays for her child and teaches him Bible stories. She takes her children to church. She does this work for each child individually, knowing the needs of each child. Mothers and fathers have a different approach to parenting. The fathers are more physical. They play with their children, take them to school. But the mothers talk more to their children and help them understand their feelings better. If a mother neglects her work, the child’s identity and behavior in life will be seriously damaged. No material possession can replace a mother who is physically, emotionally and spiritually available to her children, especially when they are young. Mothers can feel depressed and lonely. They are often tired, physically and emotionally. The risk of burnout is greater for mothers than for fathers. This emotional fatigue does not come because of some big crisis. It happens at the end of long seasons of caring for the children, especially those who are difficult or sick. It happens when mothers have unrealistic expectations about their children or their roles as mothers. This is some advice: Be real! Do your best and leave the rest to God! Don’t compete with other mothers! Ask for advice but do what is best for you and your child. Take time for yourself. Do things that you enjoy. Have a good support system, Christian sisters and family members who are willing to help you. What are the benefits of being a mother? Most women believe that their lives have a greater meaning compared with the women who do not have children. As mothers, taking care of our children humbles us and makes us more creative, faithful, loving and caring. It is hard to quantify the reward of a mother. Only God can reward mothers! Finally, remember your mother and appreciate her for as long as she lives! Worship the Lord!