A Mother's Footprint

As I was walking through the outlets by where I live, I came across this sign.  I had seen it before, but because of the deep desire for God in my life, I believe He made me really see its message and understand that it was Him speaking to me.

WHAT KIND OF FOOTPRINT WILL YOU LEAVE?

Quickly, I thought of my children.

Footprints are impressions; something that identifies.  

I asked myself: Are the footprints that I am leaving behind leading them to desire their own relationship with God? Are my foot prints worthy of following?  Are they footprints that lead to God?  Whose footprints am I following? Are they my own or the Lord's? Can my footprints be identified as a woman of God? Are my footprints making such an impression that my children want to follow them?


The Lord has really been dealing with me in my mothering. He has been showing me the type of mother that I am, and the type of mother that I need to be.  I am truly thankful to the Lord for this.  This is what I had asked of Him when I began my fast.  I asked for a more disciplined life.  I wanted and needed a CHANGE in my life! A CHANGE IN HOW I'M TRAINING UP MY CHILDREN FOR THE LORD! I am great at planning and making the to-do lists, but this time the Lord gently spoke to me and made it clear it wasn't going to be how I think it should be done but how he has already established it.  I need to follow the greatest instruction manual there is - THE BIBLE - HIS WORD!!!


Psalm 127:3-4 says:

 Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. 
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.  

I have read this passage many times, but till now realized it says, "a heritage from the LORD".


Heritage: property that descends to an heir; something transmitted by or acquired from a predecessor


Reward: something given in recognition of service, effort, or achievement

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My children are the Lord's property.  He has entrusted my husband and I with them.  They are a reward, a gift from the Lord.  When the Lord gave them to us, He knew that we would be the best parents for them.  There are many times that I can think of saying, Lord how can you give me such precious children, even when I....treat them this way, talk to them that way, expect this much of them when I don't even do it myself... but God in His infinite goodness, did not see or want my husband and I training them up on our own.  He  waited for us to go to Him.  Only with Him can we train them to be men of God.  It has to be His instructions. It has to be through His strength, that we can deal with what comes each day.  It has to be His LOVE that they feel and see.  It has to be HIS mercy and grace that is given to us daily, that they live under.


I did nothing to deserve this beautiful heritage of God.  But, He trusts me enough to train them up.  


So I need to change the impressions of my footprints.  


The new footprints that I follow, are the Lord's, and I pray that the impressions of these footprints that I leave behind will be visible that I walked with Lord daily. 

The Impressions the Lord Leaves in a Mother's Footprint

My children are my first priority, not my dishes or laundry... Deuteronomy 6:6-7

I will involve myself in children's life ... Ephesians 6:4

I will teach my children the Word of God daily and live what I teach ... Psalm 78:5-6, Deuteronomy 4:10; Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 1:8-9

I will help my children discover their strengths and spiritual gifts (train them up) ... 1 Corinthians 12, Proverbs 22:6, Romans 12:3-8

I will teach them the fear of the Lord.  I will discipline them consistently, firmly and lovingly ... Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 12:5-11; Proverbs 13:24; 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15-17

I will provide for my children a Godly environment where the presence of God dwells, where the holy Spirit moves, where they feel accepted and unconditionally loved.  I will nurture them and give them affection. I will allow them to fail without reprimanding them... 1 Peter 3:8-9, Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 4:29-32; 5:1-2, 2 Timothy 1:7  

I will be a woman of Integrity.  I will live by what I say.  I will be the best model of Godly lived that I can be, by the grace of God... Proverbs 10:9; 11:3, Psalm 37:18; 37; Deuteronomy 4:9,15, 23

I will take my responsibility seriously. What I do (mothering)  is not a chore or unpleasant task. My role will change and develop as my children grow, but my love and care for my children will not cease, only grow stronger.  

May your be richly blessed in your journey through Motherhood.  When tough moments come look for the Lord's footprints and leave yours behind.  Follow Him and His commands and you will live a life filled with JOY as your train the heritage the Lord has given you.

 Many blessings,

Monica

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