I teach toddlers. They are busy, incredibly smart, and never miss the opportunity to go outside whenever possible. Even in the winter. Whether we realize it or not, God will use the very things, and people (even children) around us, to shape and mold us to be more like Him.  In January, my church went on a corporate fast, and on this day in particular, I was still on said fast. During this fast, I was wide open. Praying for the heart of God, especially as it relates to me as a (future) mother.

Imagine a snow covered playground. Kids running, screaming, and living their best life. Now imagine, my surprise when I see one of my students eating snow. Off the ground. Nothing I did as a kid. Perhaps, not the worst thing a three year old can do. Nevertheless, I was taken aback.  With urgency, I go to my student.

Explaining to her, from my adult perspective and understanding, the possible dangers of eating snow. I immediately had her attention. My tone made sure of it. She looks at me with lowered eyes, and an even lower disposition, and walks away. I refocus my attention back to the playground, and see my student being comforted by someone else. I go over to engage in further conversation. Well, really correction.

My correction was met with tears. Followed with the demand for her mother. We have a wonderful relationship. So, this never happens. As tears fell, I question if she remembers our conversation. In that moment, she didn’t. She couldn’t. “If you don’t remember what I said, then why are you crying?” Insert, the Holy Spirit who says to me, “she doesn’t remember what you said, but she remembers the way you made her feel.”

We headed back into class. I grabbed my journal. This was a teaching moment, and I knew it. I dropped the ball. I knew this, and felt it. As I wrote, the Holy Spirit corrected me. With love. Which I failed to do. In my attempt to correct what I thought was wrong behavior, I missed the goal to correct with love at the forefront.

“When have I ever corrected you, not in love? It’s my love for you that makes you want to change. I need you to mother like a mirror. Reflecting my love. Even in discipline. The Holy Spirit highlighted that my children will follow the image I set before them. “Before they know Me, they will know you! I need you to mirror our relationship. Parent as I parent you. Love as I love you. Correct as I correct you. This is possible, and will only be a burden when done apart from Me!”

Time stood still. The Father was teaching me, leading me, as a good Father does. How loved, and special I felt. He was teaching me NOW, instead of later. I knew what was next. So, I called my student over. I told her that I was wrong. I didn’t correct her in love, and asked for her forgiveness. She smiled, and didn’t hesitant to say “I forgive you, Ms. Steph.”

In honor of this Mother’s Day, may we honor our Father as we steward well, the precious gifts He has entrusted to us! May we be mother’s who reflect His image, His heart, and His fierce, but compassionate love! Daughter’s of God, let us mother like mirrors! Thank you, mom, for doing this well!