Birds on a Wire: Devotions for Moms

Fortunately, no matter how bound we feel by our mommy duties, we are all free to turn to Christ and be transformed more and more into His image each day!

Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We're free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. (2 Corinthians 3:16-18, MSG)

I love celebrating the 4th of July!  It is great to slow down and celebrate our country's freedom with friends and family. I am thankful beyond words for all of the freedoms we enjoy each day in the United States.

Unfortunately, there have been many times as a mom when I felt anything but free. After we brought our first child home from the hospital, I was thrilled, but surprised by how overwhelmed I felt that I was now responsible to care for another person 24/7 for the next several years. It was an exciting, yet daunting thought. When my children were young, they all napped. Sometimes that was great because I could get things done around the house or rest myself. Other times, I found myself wishing I could get out and do other things instead of being stuck at home every day during nap time. Once my children started school, I thought I would regain my freedom as a mom. I quickly realized I was still bound by carpool schedules, after-school activities and much more. There is no doubt that we sacrifice some of our worldly freedom when we become moms.

Fortunately, no matter how bound we feel by our mommy duties at times, we are all free to turn to Christ and be transformed more and more into His image each day. What an amazing truth!  No matter what season of parenting we are in, God wants us to turn our attention to Him and realize that He is living and present in ALL of our moments. Because of Christ, God's Spirit lives in us and there is nothing separating us from God's presence anymore! We are free to talk to Him about anything anytime. We are free to ask for His help, wisdom, direction, power, protection and provision in any circumstance.

Even better, God is making us more and more like Christ as we walk with Him through our days. Honestly, there are many days when I find this truth hard to believe. I know myself and I do not always reflect Christ, but when I look back over time, I can see how God has grown and shaped me through the years and I stand amazed. I also see how God has used my children and my role as a mom to facilitate a lot of that growth. Moms, we may give up some freedoms to raise our children, but God can use our children to free us by growing us in Christ-like character. How amazing to know that each of us are gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become more like Him. Now that is true freedom!