Motherhood: Co-Creating with God

I love creating things, anything really, whether it is working to make a garden or making art when I photograph my kids. It’s in our DNA to create as image-bearers of God. But I don’t really create from nothing; I create with things God has already made. He is the one who makes things from nothing, and yet invites us to be co-workers with Him. There is no other place I can see this more deeply than in raising children. God does the deepest work of creation, but allows us as mothers to have life grow within us. As children grow, He partners with us in their continued growth and development. They are exactly who He made them to be. We don’t choose their personalities or features, but we do get to be a part of shaping what God is doing in them. What a gift and privilege!

I know Mother’s Day is a day to honor mothers, but this year I feel more deeply the honor I already have in them. Five precious souls call me mama, and it is a deep and precious gift to be given. My five gifts are the best things I could ever co-create. I get to have the delight in helping “make” my children, to feed their souls and bodies, to encourage and love, to teach and walk alongside, and to see who they are becoming, and be their biggest cheerleaders. I cannot think of any thanks I need, for I already have the biggest reward in having them in my heart and at my table. What wouldn’t I give for them? I need no thanks for having the greatest joys of my life!

Motherhood is a small view into God’s heart and He delight in us. It’s easy for us to see our own shortcomings and failures, but He sees what He’s making in us and who He knows we will become. He loves every stage. He is making something good. I love my children and delight in helping create places for their growth, and even more so, our Perfect God loves to create in us. He brings me into His making of them as He is making me. I am just floored that God would invite me into such beautiful acts of creation. They are the best things I can ever co-make, worth all my creative energy, and the pouring out of my entire life and soul. Thank you, God, for this joy and blessing.