Several years ago, I played the part of Albert Peterson’s mother in the play “Bye, Bye, Birdie.” It was a dream role for me. I used my Jersey accent and every ounce of mother that was in me to portray this neurotic character, performed so well in the movie by Jean Stapleton.
The truth is, I was playing myself. At the time, my kids were all out of high school and starting careers. I should’ve been confident that some of my parenting skills would pay off, but I never stopped worrying about them. When they began their own families, I bathed in the love of being a grandmother. As they grew in their careers, I was proud. As they grew in their faith, I could see that the Lord was working on them. As they became responsible adults, I could let go a little, but I still worried about them. Today, these children are 52, 50 & 46. They’ve established themselves as confident, talented, skillful and intelligent grown ups. I still worry.
There’s a line in “Bye, Bye, Birdie,” which says it all. “I’m only a mother.” That’s me. I will always be a mother.
Today, my oldest daughter will be going to two doctor appointments. She and her husband will go on to Clemson to pick up her youngest son. The three of them will then head to the airport for a fourteen hour trip to S. Korea to visit their oldest son, who has been teaching English there for the past six months. The reunion should be amazing. Still, I worry. I’m only a mother. Please pray for safe travels and a wonderful experience for all of them.
There is no instruction manual for parents. There are a few books with varying opinions, but I think the best way to parent is first go to the Bible for words which will lift you up and console you. Then fly by the seat of your pants. It’s an amazing adventure – one that fills you with excitement, anxiety, depression, hope, faith and a whole lot of other emotions. Let me tell you, I wouldn’t trade my motherhood for anything.
My husband tells me I worry too much. I know I should have confidence in God’s plan. I know I should trust that He will guide my children; keep them safe and protect them; walk with them through adversity and joy. I know all of that, but the mother in me will always worry, because it’s who I am!
atimetoshare.me 
Praying— I’m with you in the worry— it seems it’s what we mothers do— this as I’m rocking a sleeping mayor who has sucked the life out of me
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But what a treasure to hold that sleeping gift from God.
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Definitely—yet when she’s in her roly poly( the scooter wheelie thing) and races at my bare feet— I think again 🥴🥳
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👼👼👼
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I will hold them up in prayer and I wanted to say Amen! Last week when I was with my daughter in Arizona one of the things I got to do was watch her do her CrossFit. This was a Friday and that is when they set it up like a competition against your last Friday’s numbers. I was okay with the pull up knee crunch and the double jump jump roping but when they started adding more weights to the barbell and she was struggling to lift it, I found myself crying with worry for her. She claims this is a safe method of doing it but Clyde and I aren’t so sure.
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I would’ve been crying too. It’s good that she wants to stay fit, but sometimes maybe too extreme. The worry doesn’t end.
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Our children are pretty close to the same age; currently 53, 50, 48. Their birthdays are in November & December. Still concerned for them, but confident that they are in God’s hands.
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I think it has to do with being a woman. That mother instinct is powerful. Always a certain amount of fear that we haven’t t done enough.
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Oh, I think that I understand that “mother instinct” as much as any guy could. My wife reminds me of it every now and then. Given that, I still pray for them every day.
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I don’t call my concern “worry” but if they were not both mature Christians, I’m sure I would. I have done so. 😀
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