Dr. Dobson's Parenting Devotional - Oct. 30

“Is Breakfast Ready?”

There will be…glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good.
>Romans 2:9–10

Though I (JCD) have always respected the talents of mothers, my appreciation for them soared when my son, Ryan, was three years old. Shirley broke her leg while skiing (she claims it was an accident), granting me the chance to do her thing for a few weeks. It was a shocking experience. My first day on the job, Ryan interrupted my deep, dreamy sleep with a loud cry at 6 a.m. As he howled, I staggered toward his room, then nudged open the door. The crying abruptly stopped and a cheery voice asked, “Is breakfast ready?” I trudged into the kitchen and stared at the cabinets, hoping something quick and simple would tumble out. Ryan followed, peppering me with questions such as “Are we having bacon?” and “Why isn’t the milk poured?” Finally, exasperated with his unresponsive new “mother,” Ryan sighed and said, “I’m getting so tired of you!”

Isn’t that often the story of motherhood? You give up your own needs to care for your beloved offspring—yet they fail to appreciate or even notice it. Be assured, however, that God notices. Every sacrifice, large or small, brings a smile to His face and joy to heaven. That’s worth remembering the next time your child is howling at 6 a.m.

Before you say good night…

• What do you find most discouraging about motherhood?
• What can the kids and your spouse do better to help you?
• In what ways does God value mothers? (See >Exodus 20:12; Leviticus 20:9; Proverbs 23:22  >Isaiah 66:13;  >John 19:26–27.)

(mother) Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessing of motherhood. Give me strength and encouragement to face its challenges as I seek to fulfill and enjoy Your ordained plan for our family. Amen.

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This devotional is taken from Night Light for Parents. Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.