Mary Did You Know

"He will feed his flock like a shepherd

He will gather the lambs with his arm

and carry them in His bosom

and gently lead those who are with young."

Isaiah 40:11

I often think about Mary, the mother of Jesus. What kind of Mother was she? How did she handle her children? Did she loose her cool? Did she ever scream? How did she discipline her children? Did she ever want to take a break from mothering? I think we all picture Mary to be some idealistic meek, quiet, peaceful mother who never had her feathers ruffled. But I know this cannot be true. Yes, she was humble and devoted to God. But we're all human, as was Mary, and we are all bound to falter here and there. No one is perfect. I am sure she cried out to God many a time for direction, comfort, peace, patience, and wisdom in parenting her children. I am sure, just like Moms today, she shared tears of sorrow and tears of joy with her children. Besides the mother child bond that we Mothers have in common with Mary, we also share the same God. And we share the same promises He has for us. One of my favorite promises is that He says He will gently lead those who are with young. By understanding that I have a God who promises to gently lead me through motherhood I find the comfort, inspiration and commitment that I need to gently lead my children through childhood. Throughout the bible it states that "Mary pondered these things in her heart". I think gently leading our children is something to be pondered in our own hearts. It is a privilege and grave responsibility to lead anyone, especially our children. When I am stumped in a parenting situation, or fed up, or just plain exhausted to do anymore, I think of Mary and how she would lead Jesus. I pray for peace, joy, patience and love to lead my children in God's way.