The Silent Partner

By Cheri Hardaway © 2005

My mom was a simple woman, not given to pretension of any kind.  Simple, however, did not mean ignorant.  Try as I might to pull the wool over her eyes, Mama always knew.  “Do you think I just fell off a turnip truck?” was one of her favorite expressions.  Though it was unappreciated in my youth, I have since grown to respect Mama’s insight.

I couldn’t figure out how she always knew things – just what to do in an unexpected circumstance; the reason why I felt as I did when I didn’t know myself; or the exact thing I was trying to hide from her.  Upon becoming a mom myself, I gained an additional understanding of this particular attribute of motherhood.  With the birth of each child, it seemed God made a deposit of discernment into my heart, tailor-made especially for that child.

My God-given mother’s heart, though quite reliable, was enhanced by a partnership I entered into as soon as I fully realized the enormity of my task in childrearing.  Praying one day, I joined forces with a silent Partner.  Dear Lord, Your word tells me there is nothing covered that will not be revealed and nothing hidden that will not be made known, so I am asking You to help me as a parent.  You are everywhere when I cannot be, and You see everything that I cannot.  Please be my eyes and ears.  Help me know the hearts of my children.  Help me hold them accountable and be there for them if they get in trouble.  By the power of Your Spirit, teach me what I need to know.  (Matthew 10:26, NKJV)

God faithfully answered.  He made sure I was looking out the window when little Johnnie did what he had been told not to do.  He had me pull up at the stop sign opposite my teenaged son who was skipping school.  He clued me in about the hidden insecurities in my vivacious little Susie, and He revealed to me the iron will within my youngest daughter who disguised herself as a quiet and compliant little mouse.  He taught me what to do about the things He showed me.  Together, we got the job done.

The longer you live, the wiser you get.  The wiser you become, the more you realize what you don’t know.  Parents may be keen and sharp, but they need the help of One keener and sharper.

Caught red-handed while sneaking up the stairs with contraband, my son once exclaimed in frustration, “How do you always know everything?”

I smiled.  I knew then, as I know now.  And I know how Mama knew.  We had a silent Partner!