I've spent the past three
years working as a nanny in various places, for several families.
I've provided childcare for bible studies, community groups, and
taught a children's class at church. I'm currently in my last week
as a nanny here in Nashville before we move. When I reflect on the
past few years, I realize there's been forced learning and growth in
areas of my life I didn't expect to encounter until much later on.
Though I have no children
of my own, I've been able to grow as a mother, that is, a spiritual
mother. Currently I do not have any children of my own. However,
this does not acquit me from my calling and duty, as laid out in
scripture.
As women we are all called
to be mothers. Titus 2:3-6 says: “Older women likewise are to be
reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slave to much wine. They are
to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their
husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home,
kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may
not be reviled, likewise urge the younger men to be self-controlled.”
I believe this verse is written to all women, those with children
and those without.
Women who are mothers have
the incredible mandate to raise children that look to Christ and go
out into the world to preach the gospel. Women who are not mothers have
that same mandate. I think about the countless times I have
explained that Jesus has forgiven us, and that is why we forgive our
brother... Or the many times I've stumbled through trying to explain
the Trinity to two very inquisitive little girls. I also think about
the time that I was reading the crucifixion story to a little boy who
looked at me and said, “I deserve to be on the cross instead of
Jesus” (hearing that will stop you in your tracks). I am not a
parent to these children, but I can be a spiritual parent. I can
wipe noses, put on bandaids and have dance parties, but most
importantly I can point them to Christ and encourage them to turn and
preach the gospel to others.
Am I excited about the
thought of having children of my own one day? Absolutely. But I do
not want to waste my childless days not being a mother. Maybe you are
thinking to yourself “I'm pretty terrible with kids and I have no
idea how to do this.” That is totally understandable! Maybe for
you it looks like hanging out with an eighteen year old girl who is about to
go to college. I know the times I grew the most were when I was
invited over to a family's house (the Sitton's), and we simply talked
about what was going on in our lives. There is no need to have a
vast knowledge of theological terms. There is only a need to love
and give your time to others.
Wether you are single or married without children, there are plenty of opportunities for you to be a spiritual mother. Start by praying! Pray that the Lord leads you to younger people to care for, and pray that the Lord teaches you how to love them well.
It may seem like a daunting task, but remember: the Lord will give you grace. He loves you and will help you to love others.
