Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. *(NIV)
As we celebrate Mother's Day here in the United States, we pause to remember, honor and thank God for mothers. They have an awesome job! A mother comforts, guides, instructs, encourages and comes along side to help. She's a chauffeur, a cook, a coach, a disciplinarian, and a whole lot more. Being a mom requires wearing many different hats, but most women are good at that.
One of a mother's most important jobs is that of teaching, and she does that in many different ways. First of all she teaches with her words. A mother instructs and gives directions on everything from how to play games, to how to do laundry and clean the bathroom, to where to catch the bus, or what to look for in a life mate. While she may often wonder if her children hear anything she says, a mom's words are definitely important.
She also teaches her children indirectly by putting them in the care of other responsible adults in schools, in clubs and activities, and in church. This should be done prayerfully, being careful to choose, as much as is possible, folks who will guide them in the same way she would.
But a mother teaches most powerfully by her example. Recently a mother smiled as she said to me, "My little three-year old daughter is by my side every minute and she does everything I do!" Later in our conversation she asked me, "How can I get my daughter to be kind and loving, and treat people with respect?" I replied, "You already know the answer to that. You just told me she does everything you do-so do it yourself and she will follow." A child learns most from what he or she sees modeled by the parents in day to day living.
Yes, mothers teach every day, even if it's as one lady told me, "My mother taught me what NOT to do! I never wanted to be like her." That's sad, but it shows the powerful impact a mother has as she attempts to guide her children toward adulthood and the ability to make wise choices. It's an awesome task, alright, but with God's help she can do it!
Lord God, thank you for the mothers around the world who are seeking to teach their children to walk in Your ways. Please bless them with strength, wisdom and courage, and reward them for their diligence.
About the Author
Dr. Ann Shorb is the founder of Christian Counseling & Educational Services, an accomplished professional speaker, and the author of A Light for My Path, a weekly email devotional.
Ann Shorb may be contacted at http://www.ccesonline.com/.
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