What’s Your Role?

I’m involved in a women’s Bible study this fall studying the first eleven chapters of Genesis. We are carefully reading the creation section right now. We closely look at a passage of Scripture. This week, we read about the description of the Garden of Eden and what Adam’s role in the garden was: “work and keep it”. Then comes the hard part of the study. The application question. I like looking things up and having an answer to the questions, but the application questions aren’t always so easy! Here’s the application question for today: “Think of a role and restriction God has placed upon you. Note what makes them hard, but ultimately good.”

I thought for a bit and noted one. My role as a mother of grown children. What’s good/difficult about this role?

I don’t know about you, but I loved being a mommy. I couldn’t wait to have my first baby and didn’t care that I hadn’t finished college, we didn’t own a home–even a very good car to have a baby in–a tiny sports car with no backseat! When we brought that precious boy home, I loved caring for him and having him nearby. I loved being a mommy, though it was difficult at times. He was cranky, didn’t always sleep at night, he got into things….etc. But he rewarded me with hugs, and smiles, and innocent comments about our surroundings. I had joy! Of course, Todd grew up, left home–as should be–and I was left being a mommy with no one to care for–yes I had our daughter Erika for a few years more, but you get the idea. They are on their own and don’t need me anymore.

Of course I’m still their mother, but my role is completely different. They aren’t under my roof–and haven’t been for a long time. I can’t control what they eat, who they see, protect them from hurts of life. I no longer can make sure they do certain things: are you reading your Bible? Are you going to church? Are you doing what’s right?  They’re on their own. That’s the “difficult” part of being a parent of a grown child.

What’s the “good” of that? It wouldn’t be normal of course for them to still live at home. They would have limitations that would cause them to still live at home–either physically or mentally. There’s good in seeing how both of them are good parents, good citizens who contribute to society. They’re responsible and I’m proud to be their mom. It’s right for them to be–at this stage of their life–on their own. But that brings it back to my original question: “what’s my role now?” I don’t have to prepare meals for them anymore. Launder their clothes, oversee their studies, make sure their room is clean, etc. No. My role is to be there for them when they do need me. To be available to talk to them when they need to. Most important as my mom role? To pray for them.

For those of you who have children still at home, whether they’re still babes, toddling along, or now in school–at home or away, enjoy those moments that so swiftly pass by. Take it from me. It goes very, very quickly.

I don’t know about being the best mom. But to my kids, that’s probably true since I’m the only mom they’ve ever had. So if you’re a mom–of a grownup man or woman–or a boy or girl who still lives at home, enjoy your role. Both are important, and both have their challenges. And you are the world’s greatest mom–cause you’re their mom!

I can’t go without sharing some photos of my kiddos. I’m still a proud mama!

What’s your role? What’s difficult or good about it? And if you have/had a “world’s best mom,” give her a call and thank her. I wish I could call my mom, but I’ll see her later in heaven.