By Linda Wasser - Friday, May 8, 2020
In many ways, life has changed for mothers over the last couple months because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The number of “stay-at-home” moms has increased significantly! Suddenly all the usual schedules and routines, that were being used to make life run smoothly, HAD to change.
Mothers became “keepers at home" twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. This new way of living came with no coffee breaks, no quiet lunches with friends, and no leaving work early to run errands. Now, all is to be done without pay and often without thanks. The media calls this unique time a "pandemic," but perhaps God is calling it a "time of opportunity."
This pandemic is providing "opportunities" for mothers (and in some situations grandmothers) to fulfill a command God gave the children of Israel in Deuteronomy 6:5-7.
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
God is saying that we are to make a constant effort to reveal His love to our children by talking about His goodness when we are in our houses, when we are out for a walk, at the close of the day, and again first thing in the morning.
Now, doesn't that sound like twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week of "opportunities" to build a firm foundation of Biblical truths in the heart of each of our children?
Psalm 78:4 reminds us “not to hide” all that God has done; that we should talk about “his strength and his wonderful works that he has done."
We are to do this out of obedience and “that they (our children) might set their hope in God and not forget the works of God…” (Psalm 78:7)
We could call this the "life cycle of spiritual growth in a family." What they hear you say, and what they see you do, should cause them to seek to live a Godly life, just like their mother or their grandmother.
As you begin each day during this pandemic, remember it is an "opportunity" to show your love for God as it spills over to your children through the “nurturing” words and “admonitions” you speak throughout the day.
Instead of just surviving, begin to STRIVE to talk about how God is always ready to help, guide, and protect them because He loves them. Make applications from everyday happenings throughout each day.
When you are out on a walk in the neighborhood, or on the beach, talk about the beautiful world God created for them, because He loves them.
2. At the end of the day, reflect and remind your children of our Great God “who only doeth wonderous things” (Psalms 72:18) because He loves them.
3. Begin the next day of "opportunity" by planting a song in their hearts about the love of the Lord, for truly His love is something wonderful.
Mothers and grandmothers remember, as you strive to use the God-given opportunities of each day, you can reap both immediate and eternal rewards.
Let God’s love shine from you, to each of your children, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
If mothers and grandmothers strive to follow God’s plan on how to love their children and grandchildren, perhaps those children will someday “arise up and call you blessed."(Proverbs 31:28)
It is truly a blessing to be called "Mother."
Scripture Reading: Titus 2:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:5-10; Proverbs 31:10-31
This devotion was written by Linda Wasser. These devotionals are being published throughout this pandemic in an effort to further strengthen the faith of our NorthStone church family. Feel free to comment below with your feedback.
Additional SFL Content:
"I'm Offended" - A Study in Overcoming Offenses, by Pastor James C. Johnson
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