“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5
“Woman should fill the position which God originally designed for her, as her husband’s equal. . . . Let woman realize the sacredness of her work and in the strength and fear of God take up her life mission. Let her educate her children for usefulness in this world and for a home in the better world.” –The Adventist Home, p. 231
“The sphere of the mother may be humble; but her influence, united with the father’s, is as abiding as eternity. Next to God, the mother’s power for good is the strongest known on earth.” –Ibid., p. 240
The wife has many responsibilities placed upon her and must, therefore, take good care of herself to preserve both her physical and her mental health for her great work. It is of utmost importance that she takes the best care of her health by choosing wisely what she consumes so that she is in the best of health. Not only is she to look after herself, but she is also responsible for her family’s well-being.
Some wives and mothers, while working at home, do not think it matters what they look like when they are seen only by their children and husband; but, it is more important that you have the love of your husband and children than strangers. Remember to be neat and clean in your dress and home, but make sure that you follow God’s instructions.
“Order and cleanliness Is the law of heaven; and in order to come into harmony with the divine arrangement, it is our duty to be neat and tasty.” –Ibid., p. 254
When the wife is a mother-to-be, many changes will occur in her body; and it is then even more important that she takes care of her physical as well as her mental health, in order that both she and her child will be in good health.
“The idea that women, because of their special condition, may let the appetite run riot is a mistake based on custom, but not on sound sense. . . . If ever there is need of simplicity of diet and special care as to the quality of food eaten, it is in this important period. . . .
“The basis of a right character in the future man is made firm by habits of strict temperance in the mother prior to the birth of her child. . . . This lesson should not be regarded with indifference.” –Ibid., p. 257–258
During her pregnancy the husband and father-to-be can contribute much to the expectant mother’s disposition by lightening his wife’s burdens as much as possible and being attentive to her needs. Her contentment and happiness will be reflected upon their family and they will be rewarded in the physical as well as the moral character of the child.
Mothers must take care that their children are not dressed too warmly, nor end up being dressed too lightly and freeze, but feel comfortable. Great care should be taken that the baby and all children live in a comfortable and clean environment. Another important factor is to let plenty of fresh air and sunshine into the home every day.
“While it may be necessary to protect the little ones from sudden or too great changes of temperature, care should be taken that, sleeping or waking, day or night, they breathe a pure, invigorating atmosphere.” –Ibid., p. 262. Let the fresh air and sunshine into the home.
Many times during the day the children may want their mother’s attention. One child may need its mother in a difficult situation for some problem perhaps which needs resolving; and another may want to share his/her happiness while playing. Although the mother is busy with chores, she must take time to attend to their needs and make them happy by spending time with them in play, too, whenever possible.
“Many precious beams of light and gladness can the mother shed here and there among her precious little ones. How closely can she bind these dear ones to her heart, that her presence will be to them the sunniest place in the world.” –Ibid., p. 241
The mother is sometimes so engrossed in her work and when the baby or her other small child is fretful she thinks that it may be hungry, so she feeds her child to keep it quiet. But this has often resulted in the little one being overfed and can lead to sickness; or, when this is done often enough, it can eventually lead to obesity. The cause of its crying may have been that he/she was just missing the attention of the mother. It may have longed to be held in her warm embrace and feel her love. So, mothers, take some time out of your busy schedule and spend quality time with your child. This is how your hearts will be united.
“The more quiet and simple the life of the child, the more favourable it will be to both physical and mental development. At all times the mother should endeavour to be quiet, calm and self-possessed.” –Ibid., p. 261
Sometimes the mother is discouraged when she is worn out from looking after the children, cooking the meals and keeping the house in order, and when her husband comes home he speaks about his own accomplishments on his job. But he neglects to show appreciation for all the work his wife has done. He does not think that she, perhaps, may also be tired and sometimes he expects her to serve him. So, fathers and husbands, remember to express your appreciation for all that your wife and mother of your children does daily in carrying many of the burdens in your home.
“The mother is queen of her household.” –Ibid., p 231. The mother’s work is grand and noble, and her duties and responsibilities are many. As a Christian mother, under God’s control, and following the teachings of Christ in her own life, she will guide and teach her children to become disciples of Christ. This training and lessons are lessons and training for eternity. This is the most sacred duty to her children; for this work she will receive a great reward.
“Great responsibilities rest upon you, mothers. Although you may not stand in national councils, . . . you may do a great work for God and your country. You may educate your children. You may aid them to develop characters that will not be swayed or influenced to do evil, but will sway and influence others to do right. By your fervent prayers of faith you can move the arm that moves the world.” –Ibid., p. 264
“The education and training of their children to be Christians is the highest service that parents can render to God. It is a work that demands patient labour—a lifelong, diligent, and persevering effort. By neglect of this trust we prove ourselves unfaithful stewards. . . . Kindly, interestedly, tenderly, parents are to work for their children, cultivating every good thing and repressing every evil thing which develops in the characters of their little ones.” –Ibid., p. 268–269
When children have lost their birth mother, it is a loss that can never be replaced. Therefore, the stepmother, one who has taken the place of their mother, must be more patient and loving, if possible, than their own mother may have been. This may perhaps fill some of the loss the children are experiencing.
We have spoken much about the Mothers’ duties in raising the children, but one thing we may never forget and that is that the mother has a Best Friend whom she can always depend upon for help. This work cannot be accomplished alone. In the days of Jesus, mothers brought their children to Him that He may bless them because they were concerned for the present and future welfare of their little ones. His heart of love was open and He spoke words of encouragement to them. He is still inviting the mothers today and says to them, “Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:16. These precious words are to be cherished, not only by every mother, but by every father as well.
“The mothers that brought their children to Jesus did well. . . . Let mothers now lead their children to Christ. Let ministers of the gospel take the little children in their arms and bless them in the name of Jesus. . . .
“Let mothers come to Jesus with their perplexities. They will find grace sufficient to aid them in the management of their children. . . . Even the babe in its mother’s arms may dwell under the shadow of the Almighty through the faith of the praying mother. John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from his birth. If we live in communion with God, we too may expect the divine Spirit to mould our little ones, even from their earliest moments.” –Ibid., p. 274–275
May God bless every Mother, Father, Grandmother and Grandfather and the precious children and grandchildren, is my wish and prayer. Amen.
Franziska Pedersen