Today I find myself reflecting on my journey of motherhood. Wow, I remember being pregnant for the first time…the fear, the joy, the wonder! Four years later, I was pregnant again and lo and behold, I birthed a child about every two years after that unto ten children. I guess you could say our quiver was full.
When our first generation of children became teenagers, I began to look forward to them growing up and having their own family. It was then that I committed in my heart to joining them along their journey of adulthood. My desire is to be a listening ear, a voice of wisdom and a beacon of light unto them, their spouse and their children. Such pleasant thoughts came to mind… one on one conversations to get an update on them personally, fellowship over Sunday dinner, recreational activities and holiday gatherings.
And just like that, they’re all growing up! The season has come and I am so grateful for the forethought. We only have three children left at home and they are all teenagers. Since our door is always open, they have the blessing of engaging their older siblings and their families often as they drop by during the week or on Sunday for dinner. Time with these young men is so different than when I was mothering our first three children . At that time, I was training children to walk, talk and read, now I am training these young men to have integrity, wisdom and discernment as they walk into young adulthood. Daily we engage in conversations about important topics of life and now they are informing me and offering me valuable input and sharing their personal perspectives. We also enjoy watching sports and engaging in extracurricular activities together.
When I engage our adult children, my role in their lives is one of humility. I am their mother and I am to be honored, but I am not to be obeyed. So, I communicate with them with the respect of any other adult. My feelings are tempered and my responses to them are filtered through the Holy Spirit. My opinion is a thought that I consider before the Lord before it leaves my mouth. Doing life with them is a privilege that is not promised unto me. So often I find myself intrigued by their interests, their wisdom and their knowledge.
As a mama of ten children, my hands on (day to day) parenting journey has been long (almost thirty three years), but I am so grateful for it. It has challenged me and blessed me. Along this journey, I have grown to know and love myself and to know and love the Lord with all of my heart. It still amazes me that God choose me for such a great calling as this and I look forward to the days ahead with anticipation and humble heart!
Are you seeking support and accountability in this season of your womanhood journey? It will be my pleasure to be your coach to help you realize your personal goal, to encourage and inspire you. LET’S TALK to see if you and I are a good fit for each other! https://square.site/book/7C49K660S434P/fruit-of-her-hands-westerville-oh
Michele Bowie
Coach|Creative|Consultant
“Beauty from the Inside Out”
Fruit of Her Hand 