Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”
A beautiful, young mother recently approached me for my opinion on motherhood and work. She has a beautiful baby girl and as a mom she is immensely enjoying being home with her child. She asked her supervisor about extending her maternity leave so that she could be home with her child. However, the young mother felt disheartened by the supervisor’s advice. The supervisor reminded her that she had already taken enough time and felt she should return to work. The young mother struggled with the guilt and was torn. So many of us have faced similar decisions or variations of situations with similar dilemmas.
That God had this young women ask me, was an honour. I gladly shared my opinion on the joys of motherhood. Being a mother is an honour and privilege given to us by God. There is no greater role in a mother’s life than to care for and love her child. If your situation allows you to be able to spend more time with your child, grab it with zeal and passion. For too soon the moment will pass. You will reap amazing rewards when you have loved and tended to the garden of motherhood. Love, laugh and enjoy every moment. God has given you a treasure and given you the responsibility to share your life and love with your child. It is only God we have to answer to, all else is fleeting and futile.
There was a time when I too faced guilt and pressure as a young mother. I had worked 16 years for the Government in a nice office and had earned a pension. I asked for part time but it wasn’t an option. I prayed. With great courage, I resigned. My supervisor, a great man was stunned, along with the staff. It was far from easy, financially and emotionally. I prayed. I was determined to be the person God made me to be, not what the world wanted me to be. He created me to be a mother, long before I even had my beautiful daughters. With great determination I put my trust in God. For me, being a mother is eternal joy. An absolute honour. As young ladies now, my daughters thank me for the great gift of love and always putting their needs first. God has entrusted a mother to love, encourage and raise her child in the life that God deems. God has no agenda other than for us to have eternal joy.
My own mother, who passed some time ago, gave me an amazing gift of love and joy that I will forever treasure and share. Our life and bond was rooted in love and faith. The question is not whether our supervisor or administrator wants us to, but what does God want us to do. When we ask it from that perspective, everything is immensely clear and utterly natural. Not riddled with stress, anxiety or emotional upset. God wants amazing things for all of His children. The most important thing to ask is, “to whom will you trust” in all decisions and difficulties. As I always remind my Kindergarten children, the most important job they will ever have is to love and be kind. Enjoy the blessings God has given.
Peace and prayers,
Claudia
Our Nourished Soul
So true, following what God wants us to do is never the wrong answer.