A high privilege?

Being a mother is a high privilege, but it doesn't always feel that way. And in the midst of my current parenting struggle, I am reminded of Jesus' mother Mary. When the angel Gabriel promised the birth of Jesus to Mary, he proclaimed that she was highly favored (Luke 1:28). But then there came the time when Simeon prophesied about Jesus' life, and told Mary that one day a sword would pierce through her very own soul (Luke 2:35). I wonder which truth Mary was pondering as she watched her son die on a cross? That of a high privilege? Or that of a her heart that was feeling the agony of a sharp pierce?

Though the example is indeed an extreme one, the illustration is still clear. A high calling, or a high privilege, doesn't always translate into joy and happiness. Please do not misunderstand. God is always working for the good of those that love Him, and God is always in favor of those that fear Him, and God does indeed promise eternal joy and peace...but He has never promised an "easy calling" here on this earth. In fact, I dare say He never has. For He doesn't call us to that which we can accomplish on our own. We are called to that which must be done by and through Him. We are called to that which will reveal His glory, and His power, and His strength, and His ability...not our own. So why is it that we as parents sometimes forget this in our parenting? For the high privilege of raising a child, must first begin in the low posture of praying for grace and strength and mercy and wisdom.

Are you struggling in this privileged walk through parenthood? This last month has been an ongoing struggle for me, and just this week I finally dead-ended on a street that has brought me face to face with my own limitations. As it turns out, I am not the perfect parent that my kids are in need of. A shocking revelation...I know. But thankfully, He never intended for me to play that part in His script of my life. And instead of me desperately trying to play a false role, He would rather I just sit at the foot of the cross and ask for His strength to do it right.

Have you rested from all your parental laboring at the foot of the cross lately? You would have lots of company there, if you chose to come and stay awhile. I dare say that mothers make up the majority of the population sitting in the dirt at the cross. And in this instance, it's a good thing to be a needy, desperate, broken woman. As long as what you are needy, and desperate, and broken for is the One who can fulfill your every need. Come join us beneath the cross.