FACT: Only 9 percent of teenagers say that they definitely plan to become parents in their early adult years. FACT: About half of the public says it makes no difference that a growing number of women don't ever plan to have children. What do those numbers mean? They mean that fewer and fewer girls your age ever plan to become mommas. There are probably lots of reasons for that, but the bottom line is that we live in a culture that no longer holds up motherhood as an important role. As a result, more and more young women are saying "no thanks" to the idea of becoming mothers. Since Mother's Day is fast approaching, I've been thinking a lot about this trend. I've been thinking about you and wondering if "mommy" feels like a bad word in your vocabulary. Are you among the 90 percent of young women who don't plan to become mothers, or among the radical minority looking forward to motherhood someday? For a long time I pitched my tent in the first camp. For all of my teenage years and most of my young adult life, I wanted nothing to do with motherhood. Career? You betcha! "Big" ministry for God? Yes, please! But motherhood? No way! This is one area where God has done major open heart surgery on me. Through His Word, He has shown me that motherhood is a high and holy calling. Now, three kids later, I shudder to think about what I might have missed if I'd stuck to my boycott of motherhood. Check out what God says about children in Psalm 127:
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame When he speaks with his enemies in the gate (vv. 3–5).
There's some old-fashioned sounding language there. Let me see if I can sum it up in modern talk.
- Children are a blessing from God.
- Being a momma is a reward, not a curse.
- Children are like ammunition for the battle.
- They should be a source of respect, even among our enemies.
The culture may say that children are a burden. You may have even bought into some of that. But God's Word is clear—children are a blessing. I'm not saying you all need to rush out and become mommas ASAP. (I know you still have math homework!) But this Mother's Day, I'd love for you to start praying a new prayer. Something like ... "God, would You show me Your heart for motherhood? And help me to be open to Your plans for my future family? Amen." It may be a long time before you receive a Mother's Day card with your name on it. And for some of you, motherhood may not be in God's plan for you at all. But the clear message of Scripture is that children are a blessing and motherhood is a good thing. It's a lesson I wish I'd learned a few Mother's Days sooner.