Being a Boy-Mom (The “goodest” of Times)

I watched my daughter-in-law lean into the bouncy seat and whisper sweet words to baby Henderson. Her smile and melodic voice drew coos and gurgles from my three-month-old grandson. His eyes locked in on hers like the star-crossed lover that he is.

 

Mercy, it took me back. I knew that look. For a smidgen of a second, a sweet, fragrant memory wafted through the room. I could feel it. Taste it. Touch it.

I was once this young mom.

So tender, so good. The “goodest” of times.

Whereas my job is done, I delight in watching my daughter-in law embrace her new purpose. For this moment belongs to her and the challenges that come as well.

And oh what a challenge it is, God’s audacious plan of mothering boys—the space where joy and frustration mingle together on a daily basis.

I believe there must be a special place in God’s heart for these moms. He knows the sacrifices that are to come when their little one is grown and has a life of his own. When one day he will look into another’s eyes the way he once looked into her’s.

But for my daughter-in-law Jamie, there is still so much work to do. A life filled with hope and testing awaits her. Every day bringing with it new opportunities to teach her son how to model his life after a good and gracious heavenly Father.

She’ll teach him how to share his toys: 
“And do not forget to do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. (Hebrews 13:16)

She’ll teach him not to bite other children: 
“Do not take revenge my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19)

She’ll teach him to clean his room and do other chores with a happy heart: 
Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, not for human masters. (Colossians 3:23)

She’ll teach him to be a good sport and play fair: 
“And what does the Lord require of you, to act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

She’ll teach him about loyalty:
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. (Proverbs 17:17)

She’ll teach him how to handle his money:
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7)

She’ll teach him how to respect authority:

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” (Romans 13:1-2)


But most importantly she’ll have the privilege to teach him the great mystery of God which is his salvation through Jesus:
“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and untied in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:2-3)

I have no doubt Jamie is up for this challenge. Her desire is to please her Lord and she pursues His goodness at every turn. She leaves His words in visible places to remind her of who she is and to Whom she belongs.

She knows her purpose full well. And if she were standing in front of me right now, I would tell her:
Your journey will be tender, sometimes rugged and most definitely exasperating. But taking all this into account it will be the most exhilarating adventure you’ll ever experience. And I promise you there is no task more terrifying, yet no blessing more fulfilling and no conquest more satisfying than the sojourn of boy-mom. To live out this ambition is the pearl of life.

The “goodest” of times.

Looking forward, pressing on and seeking God in every bump and twist in the road.