Motherhood: Pay It Forward

Levi and I got to go home this weekend for Mother's day and all of the Hannibal family was there to celebrate. Yesterday was my first Mother’s Day and it was extra special because I got to share it with my sister- and we both got to be with our mom! I don't really want to start any arguments by saying this, but...my sister and I have the very best mom in the entire world! THE BEST!! I wonder how many of you thought that yesterday too, or maybe your little ones (or big ones) wrote it on a card for you, or pulled you aside to tell you, or called you on the phone, or maybe you received that encouragement from a husband, a close friend, a sibling, or your own Mom. And isn't that just how it should be? What a beautiful relationship God has allowed us to have with the ones who we have known the longest. Moms are the best. THE BEST!!


Now that I am also a mother, I often have been reflecting on what my mom did that was so special-what catapulted her from being mediocre to incredible- those things that I want to do my best to do for my child (children?). I'm going to limit myself here, but seriously, I could go on and on. This clearly is not anywhere near an exhaustive list of the things my mom has been for me. 

Lead your children to Christ- I grew up in a home where we went to church every Sunday, but our conversations about Christ never ever ended as we walked out the church doors. When I think about my parent's role in my salvation, I think of them as a chauffeur, someone who knew more, that came along side and said this is how you live in faith. They shared the good news with my sister and me. I remember the day that my sister and I both asked Jesus to be our personal Savior. It was in the summer and my sister and I were sitting at the table and my mom had just finished doing a Bible lesson with us. She asked us directly, “Would you like to pray and ask Jesus to live in your heart?” We were both very young, but we both knew Jesus loved us and we wanted Him in our lives forever. What a blessing it was to be spared the pain of a lifetime/lifestyle of sin. I am so thankful for her heart and not worrying if we were too young to understand. I intend to teach my children about Jesus love and ask them, just as my Mom did, if they want to be a follower of Christ, to serve Him daily, to experience the life-giving joy that only faith In Him can give.

Pray for them and teach them to pray- My parents always protected time for us to pray: before every meal, before bed, before trips, before big events, in times of joy and in times of pain. I remember treasured moments sitting with my mom, holding her confident hands, and listening to her bringing her thanks, her heart's desires, and her pains to her Heavenly Father. I am thankful that I have heard her prayers and just as Christ taught His disciples to pray, she taught me how to approach the throne.

Be the memory keeper- I am constantly asking my mom about how things were when we were growing up. As a mother, she remembers details and puts them into perspective. Our Mom’s know our history- they can tell us where we came from and in a sense that can tell us where we are going.

Listen- My mom has always been a listener. She listens fully and completely to the things I have to say. She doesn’t interrupt and she doesn’t care if the subject changes- she continues to listen. Both she and I process ideas by talking them out, and having her to do that with is such a beautiful blessing.

Watch - A million times, my mom was asked to “watch, what I’m about to do”, or “look, what I just did” and I can’t remember a time when the answer was “no,” (maybe she said “just a minute” once or twice.) I have been blessed that my Mom has always been there to cheer me on, to pat me on the back, or say that she knew I did my best. Whatever the case, she was there- she showed up. At this point in motherhood, I am mostly called to “watch” Baby make a smile or look at the goo made in his diaper. These are small developments these days, but as he grows I look forward to the moments I can build his confidence and help him become strong and independent .

Encourage your babies to be brave- There are times in our lives that we have to do things for ourselves even if we don’t want to. Many times I’ve called on my Mom to help me find the inner strength to do the hard thing, and she has come through. I hope that I too will one day be able to display confidence in my kids, so that they can be brave and do the right thing- even if it’s hard.

Always be there to help- My Mom has the most gracious servant’s heart. I know no better hostess. My mom came down for a week to help Levi and me after Jesse was born. I thought I’d count how many times she sat down…total count: 0.  She spent the entire time working and helping us. (This is also very consistent with her sitting record from when I was growing up.) Right now, I find myself running toward each tiny fussy sound. I know the cries for help will change over the years, but I hope my reaction will always be the same, to take action and to be there as I'm needed. 

There is no way for me to acknowledge all my mom has done for me, so what I’ll do is pay it forward to my family.  

Happy Mother’s Day, one day late! I hope you told your Mom she’s THE BEST!!