If I Had a Thousand Lives to Live
Inscribed on a missionary’s gravestone are these words, “If I had a thousand lives, Korea would have them all.”
This one woman had more dreams and vision for Korea than one lifetime could accomplish. I don’t know her name, but her words move me deeply. Her passion for Korea brings my heart to its knees. Korea would have her first life ... and her thousandth life.
Her life was lavishly poured out for the people of Korea, and I believe emphatically that this woman died with no regrets. She only wished that she could give her life for Korea again ... and again ... and again. One thousand times over!
I feel the same way about motherhood. Perhaps my tombstone will boldly proclaim, “If I had a thousand lives to give ... motherhood would have them all.”
When our first little boy was placed in my arms, I knew that nothing would ever be the same again for me. I was a mom!
As I looked at his miraculous little face and counted his ten tiny fingers and toes, I realized that I was responsible for his soul. God, the Creator of the entire universe, had put me in charge of his gifts and talents; I was responsible for discipling this little man who was filled with heavenly potential. In my arms was God’s answer for the next generation.
After giving birth to my first taste of heaven on earth, I became pregnant nine more times. Five of those babies died in my womb; four of them completed our clan of boisterous, creative and energetic family. The ones who went to heaven taught me to appreciate the ones who were left under my care. The ones who danced in eternity taught me how to be a defiantly joyful mother, while the ones on earth have made me happier than one woman deserves to be.
And this is what I have learned, I should never say, “I am JUST a mom.”
You see, If you are a mom, you are a teacher, mentor and coach.
You are a nurse, a chauffeur, and an administrator.
You are a counselor, a best friend and a psychologist.
You are a pediatrician, a pastor and a maid.
You are the CEO, a CFO and the FBI!
You are on the maintenance staff, the executive team, and the creative staff of your corporation known as “Family”!
You are responsible for Homeland Security.
Mom, you are raising up the next generation who have the capacity to change the world.
What will be written on your gravestone?
"This was one busy lady!”
“This woman knew how to make money ... and spend it!”
Or, perhaps, like me, you will be gratified with these simple words, “If I had a thousand lives to give ... motherhood would have them all.”
Questions for Reflection:
1 – What is the most challenging aspect of motherhood for you? Have you asked the Lord to give you strength for this challenge?
2 – What is the most fulfilling part of motherhood for you? Take some time today to thank Him for this blessing.
3 – If you had a thousand lives to live, what would you give your life to?
