Happy Mother

What makes a mother of children happy? Is it just the child? If so, there would be a world of happiness. Children certainly contribute to a mother’s joy. Jesus said, “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world” (John 16:21).

However, offspring cannot be the only reason for a mom’s feelings of fulfillment. In fact, if a mother’s happiness is contingent on her children, she will quickly become discontented. There is a greater source of happiness based on gratitude to God and His glory. She can rejoice because God opens the womb and invites intimacy with Him.

The Holy Spirit initiates the miracle of conception (Matthew 1:20) Pregnancy is a gift from Providence. The Bible says, “Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him” (Psalm 127:3). Therefore, you can be extremely grateful for the gift of God’s child. Your son or daughter is a stewardship from your Savior. This new life is not competition for your time and money. Rather, it is an opportunity to serve, build your faith, and become more like Jesus.

Have you written your heavenly Father a thank you note for the gift of your child? Happiness comes to mothers who experience hilarious appreciation for the Almighty’s entrustment of children. Be eternally grateful for the Lord’s unspeakable expression of love through the life of your little one. Of course, children will frustrate you and let you down, just as you have your own parents and God. So learn to liberally apply love, grace, forgiveness, and discipline in the same way you administer ointment to their ailments. Teach them the truth of Scripture, model faith for them, and joyfully watch as they enter into a personal relationship with Jesus.

The disciple John experienced this. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 4). Mothers experience happiness when they praise God for the privilege of being a parent. Your role as a mom is your glory to God. You smile because you know that as you serve your child, you are serving Christ (Mark 9:36-37). Therefore, be happy, because your heavenly Father has blessed you. He has given you the gift of His son for your barren soul and the gift of a child for your joyful service.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that my happiness is ultimately in You and Your love and acceptance.

Related Readings: Psalms 128:1-2, 5-6; Proverbs 11:6, 14:1; Isaiah 66:13; Luke 1:46-48; 1 Peter 4:8