WHAT IS A GOOD MOTHER?
Mother’s Day
May 9, 2010
Do you realize that parents today are shaping the generation of tomorrow? This is an awesome responsibility. A wise poet said,
I held a piece of plastic clay
And idly molded it one day.
I pushed and pulled and pressed it still,
It yielded easily to my will.
I came again when days had past.
The bit of clay was hard at last.
The form I’d given still it bore
And I could change it nevermore.
I took a piece of living clay,
And gently formed it day by day;
And molded with my skill and art,
A young child’s soft and yielding heart.
I came again when days were gone.
It was a man I gazed upon.
The form I gave him still he bore,
But I could change him nevermore.
Molding children is especially hard because they don’t reason the way we do. One little girl colors a small picture with crayons and takes it to her mother. Mom oohs and aahs and says, “Susie, that’s wonderful! You’re a genius! I’ll bet you’re going to be an artist one day.”
Susie goes away thinking, “If Mom liked this little picture. Think how much better she’d like it if I drew a great big one on the wall!” So she finds the biggest wall in her room and proceeds to paint her masterpiece.
A little while later, there is a shriek. “Susie! You stupid kid! What have you done? You’ve ruined our house!”
This is very confusing to a child. One minute, you’re a genius. The next minute, you’re stupid.
So, being a good parent isn’t easy. Children need love, instruction and support.
I. LOVING.
The Scripture says,“The Lord answers, ‘Can a woman forget the baby she nurses? Can she feel no kindness for the child to which she gave birth? Even if she could forget her children, I will not forget you.’ ” (Isa. 49:15).
Love, which includes attention and concern is essential for children.
Love means showing them they are valuable. It means making them a priority, as to your time and resources. It means being affectionate and kind.
A mother will speak on the importance of loving our children. “ I feel one of my greatest responsibilities as a mother is to love my children.”
II. TEACHING.
The Scripture says, “My child, listen to your father’s teaching and do not forget your mother’s advice” (Prov. 1:8, edb).
Teaching, which includes discipline and training is essential for children.
Teaching means setting a moral example for them to follow. It means telling them the truth and giving them good information. It means providing limits and consequences to shape their behavior.
A mother will speak on the importance of teaching our children. “I feel one of my greatest responsibilities as a mother is to teach my children.”
III. SUPPORTING.
The Scripture says, “I will comfort you as a mother comforts her child . . .” (Isa. 66:13, edb).
Support which includes comfort and consolation is essential for children.
Support means being there for them in good times and bad. It means listening to their problems. It means helping them develop into mature and independent adults.
A mother will speak on the importance of supporting our children. “I feel one of my greatest responsibilities, as a mother, is to support my children.”
CONCLUSION:
Now lets promise to love, teach and support the children of our church by dedicating them to the Lord.
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(WC595)
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