By: Jennifer Clements

Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. 

Romans 12:2

Romans 12:2 has deeply resonated with me for several weeks, as I find myself needing to renew my mind in numerous ways. The reality is that we are always in the process of transformation, and it can be painful if we are unyielding. This phase of life has shown me that the challenging aspects of parenting are far from over. I once thought that after 20 years of investing in my boys, I could simply observe the fruits of my and my husband’s labor in their adulthood. But I was mistaken: This season of parenting is proving to be even more demanding. 

Now, I must be transformed by the renewing of my mind and embrace the wisdom imparted to me by women who have navigated this journey before me. Previously, my role involved praying, protecting, guiding and holding their hands through life's various challenges. Today, my role has shifted to one of prayer and gentle guidance. I can only offer wisdom when invited into their situations, allowing them to learn to lean on and trust God in the ways I desire for them. 

I am also learning to trust God in a new manner. My boys will always need me as their mother, but the extent of my involvement has had to change significantly. Each day, I pray to God for wisdom, discernment and patience as I witness them navigating the complexities of adulthood. Ask yourself today, “Where am I being transformed?” Are you yielding to God’s gentle wisdom, or are you painfully fighting the process?