Today I’m thrilled to share a post with you from my friend Mary Geisen. While we’ve only met online in the last few months, we’ll be meeting in person soon as roommates at the Allume Conference. I consider my introduction to her from another friend, Holly Barrett, one of God’s sweet blessings in my life.
As young moms, it’s often easy to doubt our ability, knowledge, or tactics when it comes to parenting with purpose and cultivating a God-centered home.
Hearing from moms “on the other side” is often balm for our weary souls. I hope her words of wisdom bless you as much as they did me.
If I were to describe myself right now, I would say I’m a well-seasoned traveler of life. I have experience, good and bad, and a wonderful job that is mine for life.
As my two young boys, one tow-headed and curious and the other one with big brown eyes with a hint of mischief, have grown into men – I also have grown up along with them. The greatest job I have ever had the honor to hold is that of a parent and the name “mom” was a gift I was given 27 years ago.
I will affirm that being a mom is hard, dirty work, but when you reach the point of setting them free, the rewards are amazing.
Intentional time and teaching will prepare your children for the day that the cocoon is open and the butterfly wings away.
I will assure you that being a parent is a title you hold for life and even as your children move from childhood to adulthood you have the honor of giving them the gift of time. Children never stop needing their parents.
The look of parenting on the other side is one of a listener, a giver of advice only when asked, always extending grace and forgiveness and a giver of the unconditional love that you have always shared with your children.
As a parent on the other side, the best advice I can share is the following:
1. Always give yourself grace each day.
When you are exhausted due to lack of sleep or daily routines that feel like a never ending treadmill, step back from perfection and look to what is important. The childhood moments will soon be gone so forget your chores and immerse yourself in kid time that you can never get back.
2. Learn from other mothers around you.
My most memorable lessons were the ones from my own mom. She taught me how to focus on your children, to always listen and to be present in the moment. What lessons can you learn from your own mom or other women who pave the way before you?
3. Be intentional in teaching your children well.
What values and beliefs do you want your children to carry with them into adulthood? There are lessons in every moment of your day-seize them and model, teach or prepare them for the future during these times.
4. Prepare your children’s hearts with the Word of Truth and let Jesus enter into your daily routines.
A scheduled time to gather and soak in Jesus and each other will teach your children how to center their lives for adulthood.
As a new mother, a mother of in betweens or a mother of adult children, your job is an honor and a gift that you were given by God when your children were born. Everyday is a new day to start fresh and do your best.
Carry God’s truth with you each day!
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
Blessings,
Mary
About Mary:
Mary Geisen is the momma of two amazing, grown sons, blessed to be a teacher of 3rd graders from August to sometime in June each year and a woman seeking God in the ordinary routines of life. Lover of the beach, coffee and long walks outside are coupled with a love for all children resulting in a momma tiger advocacy to show them they are loved. God’s story for her life blossomed into written words that begged to be shared with others. The power of God’s words has inspired her journey of healing and drawing closer to God through the power of grace.
Sharing today with Faith Filled Friday, Essential Fridays and The Weekend Brew.
You are right – parenting IS hard, dirty work. But, the rewards are oh so wonderful! I found this post today at the Essential Things Friday link up – will be visiting the other posts in your series. Thanks so much!
Yes, there are so many wonderful rewards on a daily basis! So glad you stopped by and thank you for commenting. I hope the other posts in the Parenting With Purpose series are a blessing to you! Be sure to check out the giveaway for “What’s in the Bible” DVDs ending tonight: https://leeanngtaylor.com/parenting-purpose-day-6-bible-literacy-family/
Love this post, Mary. So grateful to be a mom for life! Can’t wait to see you and LeeAnn in just under two weeks! Clearly I am counting the days. Much love to both of you.
Thank you, Holly! Love that you “get it” and know that being a mom for life is one of the greatest gifts we can receive. Weekend joy and love, my friend!
Beautiful wisdom, Mary. It is so true that we never stop being a mom. They never stop needing. Just the other day my 24 yo son called me from somewhere way out there at sea needing my help with something. It was such a great feeling. But loved how you described this side of parenting … “The look of parenting on the other side is one of a listener, a giver of advice only when asked, always extending grace and forgiveness and a giver of the unconditional love that you have always shared with your children.” Exactly that! I may still fall short with pulling that off at all times but grateful for God’s grace as He molds me to be more and more like Christ. Beautiful post, friend. So wonderful to see you here. Love both of you. xoxo
There is something about this time of motherhood that I treasure and enjoy even more than when they were younger. There is this sense that we “get each other” and a striving to intentionally make family a priority. Trust me being a mom is far from perfect and I do display that often but God’s grace in the process is amazing! So glad you stopped by! Hugs!
Love this series, such a great and encouraging idea!!
I loved reading this post! I am a young mom of three boys ages 3,2,1 and I have little girl who should be here before Christmas- I was wondering what to do if you really don’t have positive mom role models in your life. My mom isn’t exactly what some would call a good mom and my mother-in-law passed away from cancer