Pressures of Parenthood

Luke 1: The story telling the birth, conception & prophecy of John the Baptist and the revelation to Mary of the conception of Jesus the Messiah.

As I read through this passage I couldn’t help but imagine what it would have been like to be Elizabeth or Mary. I identify with these women not because one is my namesake. As long as I can remember people have asked if my full name is Elizabeth. It is not actually, “just Beth” is my typical response, but that’s neither here nor there. I identify with them because I am a mom and more specifically a mother of boys. But I have this tremendous, (albeit self-induced) pressure in raising these little children into strapping men who are strong and independant.

The ever intimidated girl in me wonders what it would be like to be Mary standing before Gabriel, the angel of the Lord. This super natural messenger came directly from God with a job, a life history changing event that had been in the works since the beginning of time. No pressure there, right?! I wonder if I would have crumbled into a ball of tears just at the thought of it all. Maybe she was like this friend I have, very project focused and goal oriented.  She must have been different than me, an over-thinker, over-analyzer, working out each idealized detail in my minds eye before ever making a move. Surely the thought of having the Son of God growing inside me would have paralyzed me to in-action.

I think about the moment that Elizabeth saw Mary. The baby John was still in her tummy, leaping and jumping at Mary’s presence. It must have been quite a leap to have been recorded in the Word. I wonder, was it one of those “bring you back to reality” moments? You know, like “Oh my, I’m carrying John the Baptist, the one in the likes of Elijah, the one who will go before the Messiah to prepare their hearts!  AHHHHH!!!” My moments were more like this “Oh my, I’m gonna have a baby, AHHHHH!” And that’s it. I’m overwhelmed just thinking about Elizabeth and Mary and their task at hand. I’m so thankful for their willingness to God and for the work they have done.  

Having two boys in our home there’s never a dull moment. While it’s not yet 8:00 in the morning I have been resolving arguments, giving instruction, preparing food, cleaning up, answering questions and the list goes on. Growing up the younger of two girls and having an absent father, this boy thing is very foreign to me.  My nature is quiet and introspective, observing and processing.  Yet, I am constantly stepping outside of that cozy box to give direction and help them understand the world around them.  Just when I think something is obvious or self explanatory I look into their faces. As I wait for a response, an action, something, it’s then that I realize more information is needed. My desire is to always take the time to help my children understand the world around them, in effect understand them better myself.  Too often I fall short of this goal. As a result I find myself on my knees, asking God to teach me, direct me, help me to understand.  I’d like to think that Elizabeth and Mary were just like me, seeking the Heavenly Father for wisdom in raising their boys into the men that God wanted them to be.  He is always faithful to that prayer.

Father- Thank you for the examples of Elizabeth and Mary.  Please help me to remember them in the things I do and the ways I serve you.  Beth