“Reflections on Motherhood” by Guest Writer: Diana Rockwell

“Her children arise and call her blessed;” Proverbs 31:28a NIV

Coming home after a long day at work, I asked the babysitter where my youngest son happened to be. She said, “He is in the yard.” So, I went out the front door and but didn’t see my three-year-old son anywhere.

We had a long driveway on top of a hill, so I started calling his name as I walked down the long road. He was nowhere in sight. By the time I walked down to the first cul-de-sac area and returned to the house, the sitter had left.

Upon calling 911 to report my missing son, what was he wearing? I didn’t even know what he was wearing, fear so great that I started to cry. My husband went searching for Dale.

Motherhood a time of joy, yet raising children can give you gray hair. As a mom of two sons, I found myself on my knees, praying for wisdom.

The neighbor found our boy; he had walked at least three blocks from our house. Our boys evoked the fear response in me many times; this is only one instance of how adventuresome the boys were.

Daily I would ask God to be the best mother I could be, as I had had the best mother and grandmother.

I wanted my boys to grow in the likeness of Christ. So, I feel the most important job of a parent is to pray.

“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26 NIV.

So, I would not only pray for my children, but I would read them the Bible, and we went to church. As they grew, I tried to impart lessons to them. For example, at Christmas, we would light candles for Advent. For Easter, the real reason we celebrated Easter: to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection.

Sometimes while helping with homework, I was exhausted, yet looking back, I helped instill the knowledge they would need to succeed.

Facing my children’s independence and sexuality was probably the most challenging time for me. When my oldest son attended his first dance, I realized that someday he would leave our home.

Whatever stage of motherhood you find yourself in, prayer is the most important thing we can do. I prayed for each son to be safe, for wise decisions, careers and future mates.

And then, as a mom, we have to let go and let God become the essential voice our children hear and listen to. Letting go of my sons has been the most challenging yet most rewarding thing I have done as a mom. I still pray, but I do not let fear rule my life. They have their own lives to live.

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31:31 NIV

I’ve come full circle and am a grandmother. Now I watch my sons as they have children and they are instilling truth in their children just as I did.

They are much better parents than I was and I can only thank God for answering my prayers regarding what kind of men they would become. They are both loving, kind fathers; I could not ask for anything more.

“Father God, thank you for the sons you have given me. I pray for moms who are reading this to entrust their children to you. For a mom struggling with toddlers, help them have fun. For one helping with homework, give them patience. And lastly, help her to let them go of grown children.”

What is your challenge as a mother?

Diana Rockwell is a retired nurse, married for fifty years, has two sons, five grandchildren and her faithful fur baby, Tory. She volunteers for Proverbs31, Compel, and Bible Study Fellowship. Her weight loss journey can be found in, ” Your Life Still Counts”, by Tracie Miles. She has written for Heart Wings Blog and has been published in the Heart “Wings” Devotional. Connect with Diana at http://www.diana2rockwell.com.