Photo creditHas anyoneever given you a tip for being a great mother? Not a verbal, “here’s-how-you-do-it”tip, but an actual cash tip?In mydevotional book for mothers, Nancy Campbell shared an encounter that happenedto her daughter, Evangeline, while out shopping with her five youngestchildren. While in Wal-Mart, a woman—acomplete stranger—came up to her and said, “You are an incredible mother!Here’s some money,” and gave her a ten-dollar bill. Then, awhile later, she approachedagain: “I’m not finished. You have to knowyou are an incredible mother! Here’s another $10.”
For a fewdays, I was pondering what in the world she was doing that was so impressive inthis woman’s eyes. Coincidentally, Idownloaded an audio teaching by Evangeline called “The Adventures ofMotherhood.” In the message, she recounted the Wal-Mart experience and sharedadditional information.As she waswalking down the aisles, she was praying in her mind, asking God, “Am I a goodmother, Lord?”
Right afterthat prayer, the woman approached.
“She didn’t even see me mother! We were justwalking,” she said.
But she hadto be doing something! Perhaps it wasjust her countenance and general demeanor toward her children that so impressedthe woman.
While no onegave me a $10 tip during my shopping trip yesterday with my children (althougha very pregnant mother so kindly offered to let us go ahead of her in the check-outlane—and then insisted we traded places!), I have been contemplating what makesus the kind of mothers others take note of (and may even tip!). Here are somethoughts:
- Smile at your children!
- Act like you enjoy them, even if the feelings aren’tflowing easily at any particular time. Feelings always follow actions.
- Speakkindly.
- Handle your children gently. We’ve all seen the mothers who yank theirchildren away from things. Let’s not be “Yankees.”
- Be proud of your group.
- Be proud to be amother!
“When you go out with your children, lift your head high, puta smile on your face, and be proud to be a mother. You have the most importantcareer in the nation. God Himself is your employer and you are determining thefuture of this nation.
Be a lightin the midst of a society that does not embrace children. Do not be intimidated.Show your love for your children as you speak sweetly to them and are patientwith them. If God has blessed you with a number of children, be proud to displayyour ‘blessings’ from the Lord.
You reveal to the world what God is like for Heloves children. Jesus did not reject children. He welcomed the children to cometo Him. (Mark 9:36-37).
There is nomore beautiful picture than to see a serene and happy mother with well-trainedchildren in tow. There can be no argument from those who don’t embracechildren.”A highcalling. I’m working on becoming a more serene and happy as a mother every day,and certainly, training our children well is a constant work in progress. That’swhy I’m a mom in need of His mercy. I’m so thankful that we can approach thethrone of grace with confidence to find mercy and receive grace to help usdaily in our time of need. There are eternal rewards. And maybe someday, therewill even be a financial reward, like an out-of-the blue tip!
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The Modest Mom
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