Iron Sharpeners

Of all the roles I've played, being a mother is definitely by far the most challenging.  It is a demanding, often grueling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week job.  My kids love throwing me into situations where I have to act quickly and think even more quickly.  These beautiful little beings who have been entrusted to me by the Most High are thoroughly equipped with strength, wit, strategery (think SNL), persistence and the list goes on and on. 

But man, am I grateful for being placed in this role.  Because these little beings maybe demanding and challenging, but they are also some of the best disciples I've had in my life.  Daily they teach me self-control, how to respond in peace and kindness, and how to choose joy even when said little beings are not making the same choice.  In them, I get a glimpse into the Father's heart as they pursue me, their momma, with their hearts and their love. 

I thought of Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."  I'm so blessed to have a number of people who sharpen me, but when I think about the ones who have the most influence, the ones who make me want to look more like Jesus, it is SE and Fin.  I want them to grow up knowing that regardless of their status or the situation they have proposed to me, they matter, they have value, and they are owed respect and honor.  I want them to see the love of Jesus in me and feel His pursuit of them through my pursuit of them.  I want to plant seeds of His Kingdom values, not seeds of the world. 

As I think about being celebrated on Mother's Day, I kind of laugh to myself because yes, being a mom is an amazing role, one that I can't even begin to express gratitude for and never want to take for granted.  But to me, it's as much about my kids as it is about being a mother.  Without them, I don't get the title "mom".  Without them, I miss out on so much of what God has for me.  Without them, I miss out on so many experiences.  And let's face it, who doesn't want to experience their 2-year-old hockey checking another toddler in the middle of a youth basketball practice and trying to respond with the heart of the God. 

Being a mom...it's kind of the best thing ever...