Words of Encouragement:

My mom, grandmother and I went to the mother/daughter banquet at church this weekend. The lady that spoke is the pastor’s wife at Friendship Baptist Church in our area. Her small 10 minute message touched my heart!

She began by speaking words of encouragement to the young mothers that were present. Us young mothers with small children at home that keep us up late at night and are early risers. Those of us mothers who are constantly doing laundry, washing dishes and cleaning bottles. Those of us that haven’t had a hot meal since our children were born. Those of us that worry about our babies and still wake to check on them in the middle of the night.

She then encouraged the mothers of children who have started school. Those mothers who are rushing to appointments, soccer games, cheerleading and school events. Those mothers who stay up and help with homework and school projects. Those who are realizing that their babies aren’t babies anymore.

She then encouraged the mothers of teenagers and young adults. She said mothers of teenagers and young adult still pray for their children….probably more than they did when they were infants! These mothers realize that their “babies” will soon grow up and have babies of their own. And the lack of sleep continues even at this age!

And last, she encouraged the mothers who are now taking care of their parents. The parents that once cared for them as infants, are now themselves being taken care of. These mothers are taking their parents to doctor’s appointments, scheduling surgeries and some are having to visit and choose nursing homes. The same lack of sleep, pile of dishes to wash and constant laundry continues – it’s now doing their laundry and washing their dishes. It’s feeding them when they once fed you. It’s holding their hand when they are scared before surgery. It’s making sure they are inside before the sun goes down and that their refrigerator is full!

This last one really hit home. My grandma was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and had surgery. My mom never left her side. She was there when she entered surgery and there when she went home. She spent the night at her house for several nights to make sure she was taken care of. She made her meals, cleaned her dishes and took care of the house. How funny when the roles are reversed. I am so thankful for a mother who is an example to me of how to be a good daughter. And I know when the time comes, I’ll be doing the same for her…as my pastor would say…if the Lord tarrys His coming!