The Gatekeeper

I'm going to springboard off of a conversation that I was just having with a couple of other women.  All of us are Moms and so, we were talking about - surprise - being a Mom.

Our conversation went in many directions, but I was kind of having my own internal conversation as we jumped around.  I have been thinking a lot lately about what the role of a Mom in the home really is....and you know what?  It's a big deal.

Moms are, in the truest sense, Gatekeepers.  We, more than anyone else, are in control of what we allow into our homes and into our kids.  Don't worry.  I'm not here to down on Harry Potter or descry the evils of sugar...you know me better than that.

But, I am here to say, Do you know how powerful you are, Mom?  Did you know that the role you play in the lives of your children and your home is the most important one you play?  Did you know that although society has tried to tell you that just about anyone could do your job, they are dead wrong?

The other day, I was driving Pierce to school and from the backseat he said, "Hey Mom, so did God build all the stuff that's on the world?"  I said, "Kind of.  He made man and the animals and all the plants and then he gave men the wisdom to invent things like buildings, cities, streets, cars, stuff like that."  "Oh, I get it, " he said.  He went back to his snack, but my mind kept on moving.

I was stunned at the simplicity of the exchange.  I don't know why, it's not like I haven't had a million or so similar conversations since I became a parent; but this one just hit me.  He just takes me at my word.  In his mind, whatever I tell him is true.  For a few years, whatever I write on the slate of his heart and mind just goes there without question or filter.

That is an amazing privilege and responsibility.

I will fill up that slate in the most measured and pre-meditated way that I can.  He will know about faith and about love and about responsibility and about kindness and respect.  He will hear and see me affirm him in his uniqueness AND experience me letting him know that unique does not mean "without boundaries."

When our kids are grown, their hearts will always carry the indelible first print that we leave, let use our wisdom and prayers to make sure it is print that will serve them well.