I was asked to share an experience with our church women's group about serving our families, specifically small children. I was amazed at what came out when I began to type. Then I was asked to share these thoughts at a conference this morning. The following is what I shared:
Ministering to our families is a tender
subject to me as being a mother did NOT come naturally. I remember the first
time I heard my own child cry, I knew my life would never be the same. I had a
moment of panic in the hospital when the baby was fussing and they brought him
to me. All of a sudden I was supposed to know exactly what to do. I spent most of the next two years frustrated
at my inability to serve in a capacity that seems to come so naturally to so
many. Even though I struggled there was never any doubt in my mind that this
was the work that the Lord intended for me to do; knowing that made it easier
to serve.
As time went on my daily prayers for help
in teaching and serving my family became more fervent. Before long I was called
to nursery. I learned so much through my missteps and started to feel confident
in serving these little children. Despite my insecurities we welcomed a second
little boy into our family two years after the first. My prayers became more
focused as my time was divided between these little ones and my husband. Before
long I felt impressed to start a play group that ended up including 10
children. The following year I participated in a joy school and continued to
develop my abilities. The Lord had found a way to teach me to better serve my
children through teaching and interacting with them in a more formal setting.
Many times the best way I can serve my
family, especially my young children, is to involve them in what I am doing.
Sometimes they need me to drop what I am doing and do something with them. Last
fall we would often drop everything when the sun peeked out and take a walk or ride bikes to take
advantage of the moments of good weather. Many times we would collect leaves
and sticks, play at the park, splash in puddles or watch birds. Another way I
serve my children is being available for moral support. Many times when they
are performing a task they can do on their own but just need a little
encouragement. It takes patience to stay by them but many times a little moral
support is all they need.
I have to laugh a little whenever anyone
compliments my ability to teach pre-school age children. “You are such a
natural,” they say. I assure you it did
not come naturally. Each step I take toward being a better mother and teacher is
a battle hard fought but worth every effort. I truly feel that I have been
blessed for taking on this calling in my life despite my inadequacies. When we
seek to do the Lord’s work He has promised to make a way for us to accomplish
what He commands us to do. I really see this as I strive to serve my children.
I have always been a little ashamed to admit to my shortcomings and I was amazed at how liberating it was to share and surprised to see how much I have grown in the past five years. It is my hope that this will help someone else who is struggling find their voice.
