Motherhood is Sanctifying Me
I sprang out of bed, my eyes wide with alarm. Thank heavens it’s only 7:30. Wait—oh no! I woke up too late because pitter-patter, pitter-patter.
“It’s the day, Mommy?” Kai asked as he walked into my room, his eyes bright and a cheerful smile crinkling his nose.
“Yes, it is, baby. Today’s the day,” I said eagerly, pulling him close and burying my nose in his warm, soft neck. I’m so thankful I didn’t spiral because this is what I prayed for—to be a mother of many. “Are you ready to hear The Lady, sweetheart?”
“Yeah!”
And so, our day started with Jordan G. Welch leading us in worship with her rendition of “Open the Eyes of My Heart.” As I listened, I closed my eyes, surrendering to the moment and to my God—trusting Him with my plans. My days go more smoothly when I’m not trying to make everything perfect, even when I manage to stay on schedule.
This is truly the heart of it all: for Abba to see me and for my life to be lived beautifully—to reflect His glory.
The Beauty of Sanctification
This is my true métier—to be a mother after God’s own heart—and I believe it’s yours as well. How did we get here? It all began when we were first born again. Faith in Jesus Christ is what sets us on the path of sanctification.
I’ve heard some say that sanctification is a one-and-done process, while others say it happens over time. What if both are right? What if we were first sanctified when we received the Lord Jesus as our Savior and were baptized? After all, to sanctify means to be set apart. And yet, we are also continually being sanctified as we choose to live out our faith daily. It’s both a moment and a process. Here are some Bible verses about sanctification.
Ways to Recognize Sanctification in Motherhood
This is not a comprehensive list of every way to identify or recognize sanctification in motherhood, but it’s a useful start.
An active life of personal devotion isn’t optional for us. We know our children are sponges, and we want our devotionals with them to come from a pure place. The only way that can happen is if we are cultivating our own relationship with the Lord as well.
We are intentionally present with them. Our schedules demand a lot—especially if we have more than one child, homeschool, or work a job or run a business. And if we are still showing up for our children in ways that encourage positive development in all areas of their lives, sanctification is happening.
We discipline with love. Sometimes their behavior warrants tougher consequences, but instead of responding immediately out of frustration, we pause first. We check in with our Lord and consider whether the way we handle it brings Him the most honor.
Every day we see these adorable faces looking into our eyes with love is an opportunity to die to selfishness, control, and unnecessary harshness. We get to see and experience the beauty of our children as they walk in faith alongside us. What more could we ask for?
What ways have you noticed or experienced your sanctification in motherhood? Feel free to share your “a-ha” moments in the comments.
