As we kick off our Mother’s Day series, we’re delighted to share Susan’s story—a mother of three adult children, a long-time teacher, and a faithful member of her church community. With warmth and honesty, Susan reflects on the joys of watching her children grow into their unique God-given identities, and the challenges of learning to trust God with each new season of parenting.
Whether you’re a new mum, a seasoned parent, or someone walking alongside others in motherhood, we hope Susan’s reflections encourage you to trust God’s goodness in every stage of the journey.
1. Please introduce yourself and your family!
I’m Susan, I am married to Tim, and we are so thankful to be parents to Steph (22), Austin, (20) and Jack (17). We live in Carlingford and love being part of Macquarie Baptist church, where Tim has been serving as a misnister for over 16 years. I work as a primary teacher through the week at a small Christian school in Ryde and love being able to share Jesus with the next generation of children and families.
I love family dinners with our adult children (we are currently sporadically cooking our way through ‘Recipe Tin Eats: Dinner’ by Nagi Maehashi) and reading books in my down time…. Richard Osman, Anne Cleeves, Tim Keller, Rebecca McLaughlin and, Jodie Berndt have written a few of my favourites. As a family, we recently rejoined a Beach Mission Team on the south coast of NSW. It had been many years since we’d last been on a team – 25 years, so I felt keen but nervous and even a bit reluctant in the days prior to heading down but loved being more than surprised at the many opportunities to share about Jesus and the encouragement it was for my own faith. We’re hoping to attend again at the end of this year too.
2. What has been your greatest joy as a mother?
I have loved watching my children grow over the years, getting to know their unique personalities and the character traits God has given them. Each of them is so different, with their own interests, aspirations and drives. It has been both humbling and joyful to discover what ‘floats their boat’ and to see how God allows them to use their gifts for their good and His glory. Stepping back and watching these traits unfold has been unexpectedly rewarding. Over the years, I’ve often had my own ideas about what they might pursue, feeling that my way would be best. But seeing them become who God created them to be – uniquely made in His image, with the opportunities He has provided – is a genuine joy.
It has been both humbling and joyful to discover what ‘floats their boat’ and to see how God allows them to use their gifts for their good and His glory.
3. What has been your great challenge as a mother?
When my kids were little, I assumed there would be endless opportunities to guide and train them. But as they’ve grown, I’ve had to adjust my thinking—time passes far more quickly than I expected. Lately, I feel God has been teaching me to number my days, reminding me of the balance between being a proactive parent on the one hand, and yet on the other hand, fully trusting that my children are in His hands.
For me, this means learning how to be an attentive, intentional, and concerned parent – without becoming fretful or anxious. For me, parenting is about standing beside my children as they grow, helping them navigate the realities of sin, and cultivating the gifts and opportunities God has given them, and doing my best to be a role model they can follow. It also means being ready to cheer them on as they step out in faith, following God’s individual call on their lives.
Ephesians 4:22-24 reminds me that God is constantly growing and equipping each of us, making us new in His likeness. This truth helps me resist the urge to think that raising my children depends solely on us as parents. Instead, I see it as a daily partnership with God, relying on Him in every moment. And in times of uncertainty, I want to be trusting the one who has given me this role and promises to equip me for it.
This truth helps me resist the urge to think that raising my children depends solely on us as parents. Instead, I see it as a daily partnership with God, relying on Him in every moment.
4. How does knowing God the Father shape the way you parent your children?
For me it means three things. First, that God is my father. He sees my struggles and failures, my highs and the lows, but always loves me and provides and promises me daily bread for every situation.
For me it means three things. First, that God is my father. He sees my struggles and failures, my highs and the lows, but always loves me and provides and promises me daily bread for every situation.
And second, it means that God is their Father. If I love my children so much, then how much more does their Heavenly Father love and provide for their individual needs. (Matthew 6:26). They have their own special place in God’s heart – and he sees them, and cares for them.
And thirdly, knowing God the Father shapes the way I parent, in that it gives a final goal to my parenting. In the end I want them to look to Him even more than they would ever look to me. I want each of my children to know God’s fatherly love and acceptance just as I do, especially as they grow and step into adulthood. I want them to understand that their identity is found in who God says they are. In a world so confused about identity, it is a gift to be able to affirm this truth in their lives.
One of the most meaningful ways we’ve done this is by learning parts of the Bible together. Another has been encouraging our children to seek out mentors in the faith during their mid-teen years. Each of them has had – or still has – a godly big sister or brother who meets with them regularly to read the Bible, talk, and pray. Tim and I knew we couldn’t be everything for each of our teens, so we prayed that God would provide the right mentors at the right time – and He has.
5. Who has been a “spiritual mother” figure in your life, and what lessons did you learn from them?
Growing up in southwest Sydney to loving parents who became believers in their early 40s was the beginning to having spiritual models in my life. Seeing the transforming work of God in my parents’ lives when I was in late primary school / early high school has been pivotal in my own life and walk with God. Experiencing first-hand, God taking my parents and giving them each transformative hearts for gospel priorities in daily living, parenting choices and making them pivotal and primary role models for my sisters and I.
This year, I turned 50, and am all the more grateful for God’s intervention in my family all those years ago – I sometimes think of what my life might have been if it weren’t for the impact of my Mum and Dad meeting Jesus. Their faithfulness as parents in teaching us about Jesus, taking us to our local church, Campbelltown Baptist, and being fully involved in areas of community church life. It gave us kids connections and ‘significant others’ in the faith. We had so many aunties and uncles who urged us on to love God and love those He has given us to care for. My mother-in- law is another godly woman who has prayed for me and walked alongside over the years. Her heart to see each of us hold on to Jesus is always forefront. These spiritual mothers and fathers have taught me to honour those who have gone before us, knowing that God gives us each other to spur one another on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24), in life and in the job of parenting.
6. What is one piece of advice that you would give to new mothers this Mother’s Day?
Maybe the last thing a new mum is looking for is more advice! But if I can add another word I would say, don’t fall into the trap of comparing your motherhood experience with others. Every baby is different, and every family is too. A first Mother’s Day can be a wonderful occasion to draw in the family and be thankful for God’s loving care. It’s helpful to look around and appreciate all the provisions God is making for you, through your wider family, and among your church community and supportive friends.
…don’t fall into the trap of comparing your motherhood experience with others.
Above all, I’d want them to know that they are valued – those first weeks and months can be such a steep learning curve. So, I would want new mothers to know that they have an incredibly precious and honoured role to play in the life of their new little one. That they are being obedient to our Heavenly Father when they seek to care for and raise children to know and love Him first. That God sees them and hears their prayers for their little ones.
Looking for a Mother’s Day gift?
Buy two or more tickets before Mothers Day and get the Early Bird rate! Bring your mum, your nan, your best friend (or your whole church!) and make the most of this limited-time offer.
Just use the promo code MUM2025 at checkout!
Enjoyed this read? Read the rest of our Mother’s Day Stories here:
“God Is Their ultimate Father”: Charis on Parenting with Perspective
Charis—a mother of four, including twin boys—shares about the highs and lows of motherhood. She opens up about parenting through grief, raising a child with severe autism, and the daily dependence on Jesus that sustains her. We hope her story encourages you to keep seeking the kingdom first in the chaos and beauty of family life.
A Blended Blessing: Shelley’s Reflections on Motherhood and Faith
For Shelley Taylor, motherhood came later than expected — but in ways far richer than she could have imagined. As she reflects on the journey so far, Shelley shares the joys and challenges of motherhood, the kindness of God’s timing, and the spiritual mothers who helped shape her faith along the way.
