Motherhood & God’s Love

Motherhood has been one big learning curve. From breastfeeding to diaper changing, from baby baths to sleep schedules, there have been plenty of moments to learn, grow and certainly cherish. In many ways, I expected those lessons. One thing I didn’t expect was how being mom would open my eyes to the depth of God’s love as a my parent. I decided to ask other moms about their experience with this realization.

How has motherhood made you more aware of God’s love for you as His child?

That’s the question I posed to moms in my life. I asked new moms, more experienced moms, moms of only children, moms of many children, adoptive moms, and moms who are now grandmothers and great-grandmothers. The responses I got were great!

“I’m able to see the character of God more clearly. I love my son unconditionally, I have patience with him and even on his or my own worst day, I still want him to come close to me. I think it’s helped me to understand more fully that God the father, wants to be just that… a father. He wants to see you at your worst & cuddle and love on you to help make it better. And… all of the love I have for my child, God loves even more deeply and fully than that. Remembering that puts lots of things into perspective for me.“

“I have been made more aware of how precious any life is, having miscarried twice. I’m also more aware of God’s love as He comforted me through that.”

“I have realized how pained God must be when we stray, because we have a prodigal son, and we love him, as God loves him too. I can barely imagine the joy God experiences when one of us returns to him, as we have had one son turn his life around.“

“When my son was first born I instantly understood how much my mom loves me. Then I smiled when I realized that my heavenly father loves me even more. I am truly a child of God. As the boys have been growing into young men I clearly see God’s plan in hand picking me to be their mom. It is a beautiful thing when you realize and see God’s hand in it all. From the very beginning of their lives.”

“I have a better understanding of his boundless love as a father. I know that even though I don’t get my way, it’s all for my good.”

“As a mom, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and feel like a failure. Through toddler tantrums, screaming babies, health concerns and everyday household chores, it seems never ending. God has continued to show his faith in me as a mother by providing me with a supportive husband, family, and church family. Some days are tough, I have learned I can’t do it alone. God has given me the courage to ask for help from loved ones.”

One mom told me the story of “Breaking the mold” – she didn’t grow up in a house with a lot of love in it. The example her mother set for her was not at all one she wanted to follow, but it was all she knew. She said, “knowing Jesus made me a better mom than the examples I had. He has the kind of patience with me that I wanted to have for my kids.”

That’s what I heard repeated by so many of the moms I talked to. Motherhood has made them more aware of God’s unconditional love and patience. One mom held back tears as she said, “I would do anything for my kids. I would die for them.” And that’s exactly the kind of love God has for His children.

I’d love to hear from you! Share a comment about how motherhood (or fatherhood!) has made you more aware of God’s love for you!