The window of a mother's influence

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As the 16th President of the United States, he brought a broken nation together and freed a persecuted people, yet he said that, “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother” ~ President Abraham Lincoln. A mother has the potential to influence her child to become all God planned, despite the obstacles of life, to nurture greatness from a once-swaddled helplessness depending on her for life itself.

The window of opportunity was wide open for so long. From her bassinet, her eyes locked on mine as if she studied my every word and expression. When she clomped around the house in my black pumps, I was the greatest influence in her life. When we picked out school clothes, I was still number one. As her features looked more like mine, others were beginning to edge in on her opinions and thought, and she started to question my “O Mom” ways. With keys in hand, now she borrows my scarves and earrings, imagining her look is “all her own,” but she heads out to a world where other people have the compelling power to change who she is. There are seasons when the window of a mother’s influence is wide open and others when there’s just enough room for the corner of a curtain to dance out.

A mom may start out to be the greatest influence in a child’s life, but other forces gradually vie for space and significance in the hearts and minds of our kids. They may resemble us physically, but do we want them to act like us? The Apostle Paul followed Jesus so closely that he was able to say, “Follow me as I follow Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). When they’re older we’ll ask ourselves if we used our window of opportunity well.

As my kids have grown up I’ve learned …

Any time spent in turning them to God’s truth was well spent

Any mistakes I made were covered by God’s grace, but left a trace

Any issues I created are in God’s care and can be used for good

Any times I asked forgiveness of God or my child were victories

Any times I listened to my child share thoughts was good use of time

Any prayers with or for my child were heard by God

Any places where I was inadequate, God was sufficient

Any reminders of my mom-failures pointed to God’s redemption

Any words of encouragement spoken were seeds of greatness

Any touches of comfort made my child more gentle and loving

Any gifts we gave together grew generosity in my child’s heart

Any examples of my obedience to God meant more than lectures

Any decisions to be thankful nurtured a grateful perspective

Any times I refused judging taught my child unconditional love

Any ways I served my children showed them what Jesus is like

Mothers will always have an influence in the life of her children, but there are seasons when the window is wide open. In those seasons, may we thrust aside the shutters of distraction and self-satisfaction and let the wind of a mother’s loving influence flow unhindered into their hearts and minds.

What challenges have you faced in influencing your children?

How are you being intentional about influencing them in this season?

By Julie Sanders at Come Have a Peace

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Julie Sanders

Julie Sanders and her husband just relocated from the land of sweet tea to the Inland Northwest. The mom of two college students, Julie loves mentoring women around the world, bringing justice to the vulnerable, and teaching God’s truths for life. Julie was blessed when seasoned moms walked the marriage and motherhood journey with her and is grateful “grace abounded much more” (Rom. 5:20) than her failures. She is passionate about fighting human trafficking and is the author of Expectant: 40 Devotions for New and Expectant Moms. Join Julie at Come Have a Peace, on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, and don't miss Marriage Mondays. She invites you to contact her about speaking at your women's event or mommy meeting. www.juliesanders.org