On Being A Mom That Remembers

“Are we still on for dinner tomorrow?”

As I read the text my heart sunk. I had completely forgotten.

My husband had just reminded me on the phone that we had decided to go camping tomorrow. I had failed again, and this time I had let my friend down.

It wasn’t the first time I had double-booked. I do it all the time. I have multiple calendar apps as well as a spiral bound paper calendar. I have sticky note reminders everywhere, and yet still, I can’t seem to get myself straight.

I’ve been reading in Judges lately, and while it isn’t always the most uplifting book, it is a great place for reflection on motherhood.

“So the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. They forgot the Lord their God, and served the Baals and Asherahs.” Judges 3:7

Over and over again God’s people forgot Him. They had been specifically reminded to remember, and set up altars explicitly for the purpose of teaching their children to remember what God had done.

“When your children ask their father in time to come, saying ‘What are these stones?’ then you shall let your children know, saying ‘Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry land.’” Joshua 4:21-22

So how is a mom who forgets appointments and birthdays, coffee dates and pick-up times supposed to be the one who reminds her children?

God’s Word says that we are given help in the Holy Spirit:

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26

Friend, the good news is that it is less about our ability and more about being filled with the Holy Spirit and following God.

We will forget calendar events.
We will fail to be consistent on what we said the consequence would be.
Our memory will occasionally slip when it comes to carpool, and we will miss more than one doctor’s appointment.

But being a mom that remembers what God has done is gift that has been given to us by the Holy Spirit in us.  
In Psalm 136, David writes a concise history of what God had done for the Israelites. Each line ends with “For His mercy endures forever.” It was a reminder, in verse, for God’s people to sing when the forgetful waters washed over them.

Today, I challenge you to sit down with your kids and read them Psalm 136, and then write your own version for your family. Write down the times that the Lord has shown you mercy, and post it on the wall. In this one thing, you can always be the mom that remembers.

Word of the Day
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:1

Prayer
Lord, today help us to teach our children of your mercy. Holy Spirit remind us of Your Word. Keep it near our hearts and our mouths as we lead our children to follow You today.


Author:  Kaylie Hodges 

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