“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?