On Being a Mother

I am so glad that I became a mother when I did. God's perfect plan is always so much better than anything we could dream up or imagine!

I have been thinking and reflecting some this week on becoming a mother. Like most little girls, I played with dolls and dreamed of having lots of kids. At least 10 (and we really might have that many if that is what God has in mind for us!).

When I was 18 I started working in inner city Oklahoma City. At that time I really began to fill a "mothering" role to some of the kids we worked with. One young boy, who is a grown man now, would sometimes reflect that I was more of a mother to him than his own mother. Wow, what an honor that the Lord chose me to play that role in someone's life.

In 2003 I went to Honduras and met Mariela. A few years later when she entered school I made a committment to her, to make sure that her education was paid for. That committment has really turned in to so much more. Lance and I consider Mariela our oldest daughter even though she is only here with us physically a few times a year.
I would say these experiences put a deep longing in my heart to "full time" mother some children! I think the idea of being able to be the strongest influence in the life of a child is just so powerful. To shape these little hearts and minds and help them grow to know the Lord. It just makes me feel excited!

As I have reflected this week, I have been so thankful that I was 30 (2 days shy of 31) when I first became a full time Mommy. I am so thankful that the Lord had 30 years to work on my heart and shape who I am. I know the Lord isn't even close to finished working on my heart. But I find that I have so much of His love to give my sweet Olivia and Mariela, and I believe to whatever other children that He gives to us!

Being a mother, I'd say it's one of the best things in the world. But being a Daughter of the Lord, well that is actually better.