Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.Proverbs 27:9
As a young mom, scared out of her wits at times over this huge, imperative task of raising children for the glory of God, I find comfort and relief from two things: the nearness of the Lord after my cry for wisdom, and the endearing counsel of godly friends. Some of this counsel comes from observation. But much of it comes from heart-to-heart conversations about the good, the bad, and the ugly of motherhood. The Lord uses people and I believe He directly answers my prayer for wisdom through the choice words of friends.
- “The little years are the hardest, but take time to cherish every moment.”
I heard this advice well before I became a mom, and now here I am, with three little ones craving my attention all hours of the day and night. I don’t get much else done. I rarely get to read a grown-up book. Forget hobbies! My last hair cut was over six months ago… but it’s just for a short time. All they want it to see my assuring smile and feel a loving touch. And it is worth it. I remind myself, cherish these little years. I’ll blink and they’ll be gone.
- “Teach your children the word, obey.”
A little word packed with power. It renders authority. I remember using this word with my son immediately after hearing these words of advice. My husband and I were both astonished at his response! He’s two; how does he know the meaning of that word? Great, biblical advice.
- “A little grace goes a long way.”
Grace helps me stay calm. It enables me to be patient. Grace demonstrates love to my kids. It really can change the attitude of a child and the atmosphere of a home.
- “Just keep reading to those kids!”
Spoken to me from the heart of a true teacher 🙂 We’re constantly looking for new books. We rent from the library, check out thrift stores and shop eBay. Kids easily memorize books, too. It’s fun to have them “read” to me or a younger sibling. It sounds so simple but reading is not only a teaching tool for kids, it creates little moments that win over their little hearts.
- “No one will ever love your child as much as you do.”
No teacher, friend, family member, or nursery worker, no matter how loving and kind they are to your child, will ever have the deep, unwavering love for your child as you do. I found this counsel to be particularly helpful whenever that Mama Bear Syndrome kicks in. We can’t expect everybody to dote on our kid’s super-human talents or adorable features. Face it, moms are biased. Only the Lord loves them more.
Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.Proverbs 19:20; 20:5
Comments 6
Great advise!! God bless you as you raise your little ones for His glory.
Thank you, Bev! It is such a blessing to be surrounded by so many godly mothers. I don’t take it for granted!
Love this! I second your thoughts on the value of the wisdom of older moms. Good stuff!
keep pleasing the Lord in daily endeavors. Blessing to many
Back at ya Shirley 😉
Yes! It’s a blessing most young mom’s don’t have.