Mama, Carefully Keep Them By Your Side
From The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
Hey Mama,
Right now it’s a frenzy. Feed them, house them, school them, disciple them. Clean, cook, answer calls, pay bills, show up, be available, clean up the crises. And there are plenty of those these days.
Fast forward 10-20 years: You’re not young. But you have grandkids. Your children are still your life. But those grands are your joy. Sometimes your kids help you with big stuff. The projects they complete on your behalf, you never thought you’d see the day. Him? He’s a hyper monkey. All he understands is Legos. Or…he used to be that way. Her? She used to be glued to the mirror; now she’s glued to her family.
Yet…fast forward a couple two or three more decades: Your pretty new kitchen counters – your son did those. That meal you had last night – your daughter-in-law lovingly made and served it. The shawl about your shoulders – your beloved daughter keeps it on you nice and comfy. The countless drawings plastered on your fridge – yeah, you have a lot of grandkids. But hey, Mama, that’s partly your doing. You led a life with a very high value placed on family. You invested. Unabashedly you served. Carefully, you kept them by your side, lovingly training them up as God instructs. Children were your life; your family came first. Didn’t you think those values would get passed along? Didn’t you think your kids were watching?
Well, they were. And you are going to look around one day and see the fruit, in full bloom, all around you. They were watching. They’re watching now.
Today – Mama, keep cooking. Your kids love your food. And they love your smile. They love your hands. They don’t always recognize it, but they even love your correction and instruction towards them. Someday they’ll tell you. Someday you’ll see it more clearly. Eyes on Christ. Keep walking, keep doing. May they rise up and call you blessed.
You ARE blessed. And His hand is on your head today.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Proverbs 31:28
8 thoughts on “Mama, Carefully Keep Them By Your Side”
I love this so much. My mother worked from the time I was 6 weeks old. As a child, I knew I missed her being in the home. My role models became the old tv shows that had mothers at home–Father Knows Best, Hazel, Donna Reed Show, etc. They were old shows even then but I was drawn to their family life. I am so grateful I got to stay home with our children and keep them close.
Oh, boy – I have to print this one! Thanks!!
I love this because it’s so true! Mom’s are so important in the lives of their children and the rewards down the road are plentiful and well worth all the effort. Such a beautiful post.
Amen and thank you:)
This is so beautiful, brings tears. Thank you. 🙂
This made me cry. Hard.
My husband wants me to work outside the home full time. I miss my children so much it physically hurts.
But I trust this will all work out for the best. I trust in Him. Even though it hurts right now.
Saying a prayer for you, Maria. May God strengthen you for each day.
My 23 yr old daughter sent me this 🙂 She was married in September, they’re expecting my first grandchild in August. I guess we did something right. ☺️