“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” God tenderly whispers in Is66:13
Comfort is underrated in a culture that prioritizes our ability to be better, have more, or do the Next Big Thing to stand out in the crowd.
And especially when it comes to parenting, I used to feel so inadequate. I was often reading lots of parenting books, pouring over them like a sleuth, investigating the labyrinth of choices and philosophies. Because I didn’t have good role model for a loving parent, my only ideal was to be the mom I wish I had.
This often made parenting a very hard journey, because I was often afraid I wasn’t doing, saying or making the right decisions.
Everything I Need
I didn’t understand until my own journey to nurture my heart with Spiritual Whitespace that I already have everything I need to nurture my children with the love, beauty and goodness I receive.
If I keep returning to be God’s beloved, I can share that journey with my children. There is no roadmap to loving a child into vibrancy — other than following Jesus, to experience this organic journey ourselves. Then, inviting them onto that journey too, in their own stories.
This is what I believe is the journey of discipleship — that is exciting and authentic, that will draw our children into the adventure of faith. Not just static precepts and principles. But, seeing them come alive in us.
I’m discovering the more space I give myself to rest as the woman God created me to be — to make time to rest and refresh — the more my heart is free to be present.
To enjoy my children. To also be known. And allow them to enjoy me.
A mother’s comforting presence is really what makes a home for her children.
The Greatest Gift
But, how can I offer that safety if my own heart isn’t being refreshed by the comfort and rest of my Heavenly Father?
I am learning that my stories, sad and happy ones, and the encouragement I receive from God daily feed my children’s soul.
They won’t have to be afraid of pain and brokenness, because they can see there is comfort, compassion and grace.
Because I’m learning to receive and grow into these very things — as God’s beloved myself in Spiritual Whitespace, I can offer my children what we all long for in this world: comfort and a place to be known, loved and accepted.
The greatest gift we can give our child is not we can do for him, but the comfort of our presence.
When we wrap our arms around our son or daughter, they become the beloved. Then, all is right and beautiful in the world.
Encourage & Gift A Friend
This journey of finding Spiritual Whitespace and creating space to draw closer to God intimately and refresh my soul has irrevocably changed how I parent: soulful parenting. I hope to share more as I continue to learn.
I hope my book will breathe new, soulful rest and encouragement into your heart: you are God’s beloved. You have what it takes to love your children the way God intended: the gift of yourself.
{Encourage a sweet mommy friend, yourself, or your mom to nurture her heart with the gift of soul rest for Mother’s Day.}
Gift a copy of my book Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Heart to Rest (along with a fresh journal, chamomile tea and a lavender-scented bubble bath gel)?
— and I’ll sign a bookmark to her and send it with a happy Mother’s Day greeting in the mail. Just sign up clicking here: bit.ly/whitespacemom
Rest and soul refreshment. We have it all in our beloved Confidante Jesus — who never turns away, always comforts, always protects, always sees the best in us, never tires, never grows weary to carry us.
He’ll carry us like a mother who can never forget us.
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you.” Is. 49:15
Happy Mother’s Day, kindreds…from my heart to yours..! Love, Bonnie
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What have you learned about yourself as Mother’s Day approaches this year?
6 Comments
as a mother-to-be, I’m feeling very thankful for my mum’s {and dad’s} love over the years. I’m praying for my journey on learning to be God’s beloved to be a blessing to my child in the future too. It’s true. We can only love when we’ve experienced His true love…☺️ blessed Mother’s Day to you!
This is a lovely thoughtful post Bonnie. No matter their age I can not forget my children, they enter my thoughts daily.
Happy Mother’s day to you too. I hope it is restful……
As a mother, & grandmother & great grandmother I always feel especially blessed on Mother’s Day by living my life blessed by those my Heavenly Father has given me.
You also are one of God’s blessings to me, Bonnie. Your words are the words of a wordsmith & such a breath of fresh air!
Thank you Bonnie.
Dear Bonnie,Thankyou for your timely writing as always.Your words have touched my heart deeply over the last year as I have been travelling on my healing journey on the other side of the world.i started to have panic attacks last year and now understand why. this happened as God has intertwined people in my life to aid in this process and thankfully continues to do also. I am so thankful that you have been so brave to tell your story and are so kind to shine light on your story to bring hope,comfort and emotional relief to enable healing tears to flow.i am so thankful to you and God in how he is working in your life to illuminate the beauty from brokenness.Thankyou Bonnie. Sending thankyou hugs andmay God continue to bless and shine through you,your husband and 2 beautiful sons…….who are so blessed to have such a beautiful soul as a Mum. Enjoy your precious Mummy’s day xox
thanks for sharing your journey, jacqueline. keep being courageous and brave… this journey of awakening your heart and story is worth it. you are God’s beloved. happy Mummy’s day to you too!
What a beautiful thought–when we put our arms around our children they become the beloved. I’m thankful my daughters haven’t outgrown the need for my hugs even though they no longer live with me. And now, I can do the same with my grandchildren. I will hold your words in my hand and heart. What a blessing they have been!