If you’re a fan of Dr. Seuss books, you know where the term “elephant bird” comes from~you’ll find it in the story, “Horton Hatches The Egg,” one of my favorite Dr. Seuss stories. When Mayzie decides she doesn’t have the energy/desire to care for her baby egg, she’s off, leaving the job to Horton the Elephant. Horton goes through many trials to keep this baby safe because he’s a faithful caregiver, while Mama Mayzie is off fulfilling herself. However, when baby bird hatches, he’s not like his mama, oh no~he is a flying replica of Horton!
The moral of the story is obvious~mamas, if you want your babies to grow up following in your footsteps, you have to invest the time and energy it takes. Whoever spends the most time with your little one will have the most influence, for whoever disciples the child, in part controls the outcome of that child. As moms we can choose to live for ourselves, but we shouldn’t be surprised when out children grow up in the shape of someone else, whether peer or teacher. God commands parents to train their children~anything less has consequences.
One of the main joys of being a homemaker is the time it allows you to spend investing in the lives of your children. It’s a joy too precious to relinquish. How blessed the children who have a mama committed to providing a home environment where they can grow, explore, and learn. Even baby birds need mamas, how much more children?
So how about gathering those children of yours around you and cracking open this Seuss classic~Dr. Seuss had a timely message that we still need to hear today~”Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Rhonda, this is precious. Thanks for the reminder. I needed to hear that today.
Every so often, I struggle with the fact that I am a stay at home mom now and not a school teacher. This (along with constant encouragement from my husband) reminds me that this job is so important and makes me feel honored to be able to do what God is calling me to do. Thanks!
Rhonda, Thank you for reminding us that we have the most important and the most wonderful job in the world…That our actions, our words, and our commitment to our families, truly make a difference…
This is one of my favorite books and I have never looked at it like this. Thank you so much for sharing. It is so true, makes you rethink your priorities a little. I think we will be reading this book today!
Blessings to you and yours,
Jeanie
aka Soccer Mom in Giggle Town
I’m the mom of 2 little boys. But I had to comment that I believe you are so right. I told my husband when we got pregnant the 1st time, and it still holds true, that I don’t want someone else raising my kids. I want the opportunity to be their mother and shape them as much as the Lord allows. Good post friend.
Well said. Reminds me of the importance of teaching and modeling that loving on my kids is not a chore but a joy, so my daughters and sons will see that and catch the vision. Thanks for the encouragement.
Thank you so much for this post. I love that story, too, and always got upset at Mayzie for leaving her egg. Now I know why! What a great illustration.
…wishing the World would “get it”. this is such a simple concept even a child can get it…
I’m a Homemaker by choice.I have 2 children that I raise. Best “job” in the world. Why in the world would I want to work for someone else when I can flip pancakes at home while my kids laugh and play. As a girl I dreamed of my own oven, my own iron, my own babies, my own matching towels, teaching, as young girls most of us dream of these things.I’m living my dream.I care for my children beause they are MY CHILDREN.
What a beautiful post. It seems that society is teaching our children that a woman has to have a career outside the home to be of importance. I was raised that way myself and spent many years trying to live up to the societal image of a “woman of worth”.
Now that I have left the “workforce” to stay at home with my family, I have never been happier and more at peace. It is too bad that such an important task is looked upon as “less than” by the majority.