Motherhood: A Blessing

Some blessings in life are only appreciated when received with tears. Nothing is quite as refreshing as having your heart's longing satisfied. If the sentiment can be appreciated, it would be most appreciated by those who had their longing for motherhood granted. I do not arrive at this conclusion because of naivety or because I understand the mind and body of women. I arrive at this conclusion because some of the most beautiful Scripture comes from formerly barren women, now blessed to have enjoyed the honor of motherhood.

One example is Hannah, from 1 Samuel chapters 1 and 2. 1 Samuel 1:16 tells us that Hannah petitioned God with "great anxiety and vexation." The following verses, 19-20, tell us of the conception and naming of the child: Samuel, for "I have asked for him from the Lord." Chapter two begins with Hannah's song of praise, wherein she exalts God, praising His superior individuality, justice, sovereignty, and faithfulness. She recognized that the gift of a child was a gift from the Lord, one which He holds the right to bestow or withhold. She realizes that God had been gracious to her - may all mothers acknowledge the same.

Another example is Elizabeth, the mother of John the baptizer. Usually, the attention turns to Mary's Magnificat - a lovely song, but let's not overlook Elizabeth's words, which carry such honesty and beauty. Elizabeth, well advanced in years, was blessed to conceive and, in light of her conception, blessed the Lord, saying, "Thus the Lord has done FOR[emph added] me in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people." (Luke 1:25).

Could you imagine a world where every mother saw the blessing of motherhood with the clarity with which these two, Hannah and Elizabeth? "He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD!" (Ps 113:9). It is truly a blessing to serve the Lord as a mother, one of the greatest ministries one could ever receive. May all who are blessed with such remember the Lord, His faithfulness, kindness, generosity, and graciousness. He has smiled upon you.