I’m a people watcher, and while watching this year’s 4thof July parade, I saw something disheartening. Of course, with over 125,000 people in attendance, surely one might see “something” out of the ordinary. There she was—an exhausted mama with six out-of-control children, jerking the kids around by the hair like ragdolls. I’m sure she was thinking, “When will they grow up?” Only a fellow mother observing the scene in the 100-degree heat could understand her sentiments. In some ways I’m sure we’ve all been there—wondering if our kids would ever grow up and go away.
But I have news for her. They will grow up and move out one day. Then she will look back and treasure memories of those “red, white, and blue” days and her wish for do-overs. My reflection brought back memories of me as a single mother and how I used to take my two kids to a certain spot on a hill on July 4thto watch fireworks. With eager anticipation we’d make a pallet on the top of my minivan and watch the magical display exploding in the sky. The drive home promised two things: the kiddoes conked out in their car seats and me drained and ready to explode MYSELF if I didn’t hurry and get home.
Moms, I know it can be exhausting raising children alone. But this season will pass. In large part, your enjoyment of them as adults will depend on the wisdom you exercise now. My advice is this: live in the present and make the most of your days. And above all else, continually recognize your need for godly WISDOM because you’re going to need with increasing measure for the rest of your life. We never stop having the opportunity to influence our children. In fact, when they’re older, our presence in their lives has an even greater possibility of impact.
How do we get wisdom? James 1:5 tells us to humble ourselves and ask God for it. In return, He will generously give it without finding fault. I like that part. There is no condemnation for those in Christ who come to Him with a clean heart. He loves to impart words or attitudes we need if only we will ask.
In 1 Kings 3 the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and inquired what He wanted most. Solomon could have asked for wealth or peace from his enemies, but he answered, “LORD, Give me your servant a wise mind to govern your people, that I might discern good from bad, for who is able to govern this great people without you?” (v. 9). It pleased the Lord, and God gave him great wisdom and a discerning mind. Sounds like a good prayer for us moms, “Lord, grant me wisdom that I might govern these people that you have put in my care, that I might discern between good and bad, for who can do this motherhood job without you?”
I don’t think less of the mama at the parade. She had just forgotten that God stands ready to grant wisdom at any moment. Like her, all we have to do to receive it is…ASK.
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7
About Pam Kanaly
Aloha! I’m Pam Kanaly, President and co-founder of Arise Ministries. But actually, I think Arise found me wanting to bless single moms years ago. Ministry was never on my mind as a kid. All I wanted to be was a hula dancer. So Mother enrolled me in the tiny tots’ class. Guess God knew I’d have two grandbabies born in Hawaii. I love the great outdoors. You might even find me spending time with my husband grizzly bear watching or camping. In fact, it was on a turkey hunt that God gave me the name Arise Ministries in 2002. I suppose it’s a good thing that I majored in Grammar in college since I love to write words of encouragement to single moms.