My role model as a sympathetic parent is Jesus, who came down to my level as a sinful human being and sympathized with my hopelessness, weakness, and immaturity. He came down to help me, not to condemn me. He knows me, and he loves me.

In the same way that Jesus was able "to sympathize with our weaknesses," we must be able to sympathize, to "feel with" our children, and understand their weaknesses, uncertainties, and immaturities. Why? So they will be confident to come to us, because they know that when they do they will "receive mercy and find grace" just as we do when we go to Jesus (Hebrews 4:16).

Children are going to face so many unsympathetic people in their lives. But when they are in your home, they will find a sympathetic mother who is ready at any time to listen, affirm, comfort, and guide.

We forget so many details about our growing-up years. But we remember the people and how they related to us. And for those who loved us and understood us when we were immature children, I think we reserve a special place for them in our hearts.

Read more about this in Seasons of a Mother’s Heart.