Today I’m speaking…to a group of young mothers.
My topic?
"Whatever Happened To Me?"
I figured since I had a few years on them – OK, a few decades on most of them (and thanks for noticing that!) – I probably had some wise words to pass on.
Well, words anyway.
I'm going to be sharing with them seven key areas that I think are necessary in developing and maintaining our identities throughout the "Mom Years."
I figured I could speak to this issue because I can still remember what it felt like being a young mother. I'm not so old that I can’t remember when my sons were little.
Mom memories stretch long – and they live in your heart forever!
And I truly believe that I am facing some of the same challenges as an "Empty-Nester" that I faced as a mom of young children.
I have grappled with some of the same issues – asked myself some of the same questions. Have I disappeared? Who am I at this stage in my life? What do I need?
So, as I explored this topic, here’s what I came up with:
1. We need PERSONAL TIME. Time for ourselves. Time to be alone. And
we need to search for God in quiet moments.
2. We need to spend time with other PEOPLE. We need to foster
friendships, not just acquaintances. And we need to look for God in our
relationships.
3. We need to have PATIENCE. We have to practice slow and steady. And
we must ask God to give us a persevering spirit that endures.
4. We need time to PLAY. To enjoy life, to learn the gift of laughter. And we
need to find God's joy in the simple things of life.
5. We need to PRESERVE memories and traditions. Record them for the
future. And we must seek God’s wisdom as we let go of what doesn’t
matter, and hold on to what does.
6. We need to pursue our PURPOSE, and explore our passions. And we need
to let ourselves find meaning in who God created us to be.
7. And finally, we must never underestimate the power of PRAYER. We
can’t let anything fool us into thinking that God doesn’t care. He does,
more than we’ll ever know.
He is faithful. He is always there, and ever near.
For God is the anchor that keeps us safe and secure through the storms of motherhood, and He is the beacon who will lead us through the perils and challenges of life.
And when we cry out in frustration and despair, "Whatever happened to me?"
He has an answer.
"You’re right here. In the shadow of My wings. In the palm of My hand. And I will never, ever leave you or forsake you. I know you by name – you are Mine!"
Which of these seven areas do you need to develop the most at this point in your life?
(P.S. – My apologies to any of my male readers – I'd have to say that you need these things in your life, too!)
BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"
I'm praying that God will speak loudly, humorously, and directly through you today, Sharon.
ReplyDeleteAs for me, the two I need most are patience and purpose. Funny... when I wrote that out, I kind of laughed at myself. Guess in which area I have the LEAST amount of patience? That of finding my purpose. Go figure.
Very wise words, Sharon! I'll be praying for you as you speak to these young moms! May I link to this post?
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Wendy
P.S. Please pray for my Moms' Spring Celebration Brunch on Saturday, for the hearts of women to be open to hear whatever He has to say to them, and to establish T.I.E.S. (Time together, Instruction, Encouragement, and Support) for all who attend. Thanks, friend!
These are excellent words for your young moms, but so useful for the empty nest years too..redefining again, who we are after motherhood. Our youngest had just left for college when my husband lost a job he had held for 21 years. So many changes to deal with it was overwhelming...but God led us to a good place once again. I will be praying for you this morning.
ReplyDeleteHope your ministering time went well this
ReplyDeletemorning. You certainly had some good and
encouraging things to share.
I agree with Anita that when we become
empty nesters we need to redefine our lives
again too.
prayed for you this morning, Sharon, I like your message you shared!! LOL, I need to develop 4/7 of those things on your list!! But I think it is because I'm in this new season where I'm at and it will come together in time!!
ReplyDeletebetty
This was an excellent post and a great speech - it is exactly what young mothers need - although they may not know it at the time. Love, sandie
ReplyDeleteI think this is great wisdom...I am one of those weird ones who has children in all stages, married, career, college, high school and preschool...and so I need to remember the advice you gave as I continue my parenting journey. I seemed to have it down more when I was young, then the teenage years knocked me out a lot.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treasure to have you speak...blessings, blessings
Debbie - I wouldn't have caught the irony. But now that you mentioned it, I'm getting a laugh at myself, too. Thanks for the prayers. Things went fine.
ReplyDeleteWendy - Yes, you may link to this post. Will be praying for tomorrow - sounds like a wonderful event. I really think that God is moving in the hearts of women, young and old. May His message stir hearts...
Anita - Thanks for the prayers. I really, really appreciated it. It was a good time. And God really gave me strength. Yes, these years after the kids are grown are hard. I find it especially difficult to let go of the "control" that I had in their lives when they were home. You know what I mean? It's tough letting our kids go to their OWN stories with the Lord!
Sandy - Thank you for your words of encouragement. Yes, we all have different seasons of our lives when we must "re-define." And God is the only One who can help us do that.
Betty - Thanks for the prayers! We are all "works in progress" - I'm just glad that God keeps thinking that I'm worth working on!! I just know that He will continue to help you adjust to your new life in your new home. He has work for you there!
Sandie - Thank you. I had several moms say that they enjoyed it. And I do think it's important to remind them (and ourselves, too) that we need these things in our lives. And, most of all, we need God to work in all these areas until we're home with Him!!
Janette - I don't know how you do it! You have the most interesting parenting journey!! You know what's odd with me? My sons' lives are much more complicated now, in their 20's, than they were in the teenage years. They were OK teens - and they're still pretty wonderful. But oh, the complications that came with adult life...Still trying to release them to God completely.
THANK YOU one and all for your support and prayers! God was really with me, and I enjoyed speaking for Him. I pray that He reached the mothers, and spoke to their hearts. The biggest thing I wanted them to hear was that they are NOT alone - God is there, He cares, He's listening - and He loves them deeply.
I think we ALL need to hear that, huh?!
GOD BLESS!
Hi Teacher Mom Sharon -
ReplyDeleteThank you for the lesson plan for this "moment" in lives. I usually do my homework. Do I get brownie points for that? (smiles)
These are my favorites of what you expressed:
"4. We need time to PLAY. To enjoy life, to learn the gift of laughter. And we need to find God's joy in the simple things of life.
"7. And finally, we must never underestimate the power of PRAYER. We can’t let anything fool us into thinking that God doesn’t care. He does,
more than we’ll ever know."
Hebrews 6:19 - KJV
Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast,....
Sandra - You are a model student!! Yes, you get an "A" for your work and your effort!! :) I'm glad you liked those two points. They probably resonated with me the most, too. I think perhaps because they touch on the two sides of life that God wants us to strike a balance in - joyful play, and serious prayer. He wants to give us abundant life - a life that we rejoice in, simple in its repose on Him. And also, He wants us to be in constant communion and communication with Him - the only way to truly grasp the depth of His Love and Wisdom. Great verse - He is our anchor...
ReplyDeleteGOD BLESS!