I Wouldn’t Trade It for the World!

By Rebecca Bogle
Boy, has my life changed in the last few years! I was first a friend, then became a stepmother to my little girl, Lydia. Never in my life would I have seen myself raising a child that wasn’t my own.

It’s funny how God works sometimes!

I’ve been married for a year-and-a-half, and I am still learning to “mother.” I’m sure it’s not easy for anyone to be a mother, but sometimes I wish children came with an “Easy Button!” Regardless of the stress that comes with “mothering,” I would not trade it for the world. I’ve experienced her first days of learning to swim on her own, watched and helped as she memorized her Bible verses and looked on as she rode the swings at a carnival for the first time. She loves the swings! On the other hand, I’ve also experienced her being sick, fussy and talking back. (Already!) We’ve had good times and bad times, but that’s life, right?

I pray for Lydia daily. I pray that she would be kept safe at school and that her day would go well. I pray that Jesus’ light would shine through her to those around her. I also pray that she grows up to be a good girl, a prayer that I’ve picked up from her dad. Praying for these things puts a great responsibility upon my shoulders. Without a good example to follow, how will she ever be a good girl? When I think of that, I begin to pray for good mothering skills. I ask God to show me how to be a good mom and that He would help me provide the right answers to Lydia’s questions, regardless of how serious or silly they may be. I pray that she would grow closer to Christ, just as I grow closer to Him.

“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4, NKJV). This applies to moms, too!

I try my best to be a good example for Lydia to live by. I’ll also admit I’ve asked several times why God chose me to be that example for her. Every night we snuggle up in bed and read a story together; as I tuck her in, she takes my hand and begins to pray. It is at that moment that I begin to see how great a gift it is to be a mother!

I wouldn’t trade it for the world.