“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 1 Timothy 1:1-7
I wish I were the Timothy that Paul was writing to. Nevertheless, every word of Paul speaks to me, especially the reminder to remain steadfast in God. Besides, just like Timothy, I am the product of the faith of my grandmother and mother.
It is no small feat to be a mother. Most of you can testify to this. The challenge of raising your children has always been there. Now with the stay-at-home situation, having to home-school your children on top of meeting their basic needs and dealing with their natural restlessness, you have a mountain to climb. But God, He gave you the delight of your heart. You have to root them deeply in the faith of their youth so that they will grow up to glorify God.
Mother, you have the toughest job, we thank you. Your legacy through your child does not come easily.
The Apostles Paul, though he was writing to Timothy, also highlighted the contribution of his grandmother and mother. Timothy became the person he is because his maternal parents trusted in God. God never gives a gift to see it squandered. God’s gift is for our enjoyment. It will provide us with great satisfaction when our children grow to honor God and us.
How do we raise our children? Honor God, and He will honor you. Have faith that God is shaping the adults as He is molding the little ones. Raising our children is as much our mission field as it is our training gym.
How do we do it? As Paul said to Timothy, “fan into the flame the gift of God.” Your child will learn from watching you. As you trust and follow after God, they will osmotically emulate your faith. The joy of your faith will be your legacy!
On this Mother’s Day, may God fill you with His joy through His gift to you.
Your fellow brother in Christ,
Timothy Tan