Scene 1: You dreamed about this day your whole life.
You are about to say “I do” to the man of your dreams and start your new life as a married woman.
After years of prayer, you have met “the One” and he’s better than you expected. His Christ-like character, fun personality, and dreamy looks are just what any girl wants in a husband. And now, you’re getting married to him!
You’re so excited, you could hardly breathe.
Before you know it, you’re standing at the altar next to him and uttering those words. Then the next thing you know, you’re now his wife. You think, Now what?
Scene 2: It’s been two years since you got married, and now you notice that your body is feeling different. You take a pregnancy test, and it’s positive!
You’re so excited; you call your husband and your loved ones to tell them the news. You and your husband have prayed for a child for a long time, and now you have a baby growing inside of you!
Before you know it, you’re in labor and are about to give birth to a baby girl.
As soon as she is born and she is handed to you, you can’t help but look at her. Her tiny hands and feet, soft body, and chubby checks are so precious. What you are holding in your hands is your little daughter, and you are her mother. You think, Now what?
So many times, we as Christian girls dream of getting married and having children that we don’t stop to think about what we’re doing toward preparing for such a godly calling.
We write a list of qualities of the men we want to marry, but we often don’t ponder over whether those qualities are what they are looking for in us. We have fun deciding on how many kids we want and what to name them, but we sometimes don’t think about how we should raise them. While those things are important, they aren’t enough toward helping us become the wives and mothers God may call us to be.
So, I want to challenge you to prepare for marriage and motherhood right now while you’re still single.
As a single girl myself, I’ve had no experience in marriage and motherhood, and I don’t have all the answers. However, I have some practical advice I want to share with you that will help you strive toward becoming a godly wife and mother.
1. Talk to godly, married couples.
In a culture where divorce runs rampant, it’s hard to find good examples of a godly marriage, even within the Church. Ask the Lord to send some godly couples into your life who can counsel you on the secrets to a long-lasting marriage.
2. Read good books for Christian singles.
Through reading Christian books for singles, you will gain biblical advice on guarding your heart, loving sacrificially, and more. Over the years, I have read many great books for Christian singles and their insight has been very helpful. Check your local library or bookstore for any good reads, and ask a godly mentor for recommendations.
3. Practice homemaking skills.
Homemaking is a lost art, yet the Lord commands us to embrace it. If you haven’t already, ask your mom, your grandma, or another godly woman in your life to teach you homemaking skills. Cook a meal. Invite others into your home. Host a party.
4. Talk to parents.
You may be thinking, What does talking to parents have to do with preparing for marriage and motherhood? Well, you desire to become a mom, right? So, just like with talking to godly couples about marriage, talk to godly parents on how they raise their children. Learn from their examples on things like teaching the way of the Lord, bonding with children, and more.
5. Do volunteer work involving young children.
Sadly, we live in a culture where children are viewed as a nuisance, which can make it hard for us Christian single girls to embrace motherhood as a godly calling. Volunteering at any organization or event that involves working with young children will help you see children as a blessing and influence you to become a mother.
6. Become a virtuous woman.
This is perhaps the most essential part of preparing for marriage and motherhood. By keeping Christ at the focus of your life and drawing closer to Him, your heart will reflect His and will show through, whether you’re single or married.
I’d love to hear from you!
Why is preparing for marriage and motherhood more than just dreaming of a husband and children?
What are some other ways in which you can prepare for marriage and motherhood?
Guest Post Written By: Christine Schallhorn
