We can all appreciate the maternal affection seen early in little girls who love to dress and cuddle their dolls. Many of these girls long to have a baby of their own someday. Once grown, they can fortunately still satisfy the urge to care for someone special—even if motherhood doesn’t come as expected.

Women are designed to bring forth life. Nurturing comes naturally to us. We tend to protect and provide in order to promote growth.

Mothering is an important part of a woman’s calling. A woman can gladly fulfill this part of her destiny, whether or not she has a husband or a child of her own. This truth comes from Isaiah 54:1: “‘Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,’ says the Lord.”

Women can mother in lots of ways. Some choose to adopt or foster children. Others mentor.

Mentors guide or teach younger or less experienced individuals. A mentor’s words can bring forth life—including eternal life. Along with their words, a mentor’s actions can contribute to someone else’s development and ability to thrive. Following are ways to mother by mentoring:

1. Babysit your friends’ and relatives’ children.
2. Encourage children you meet to develop and use their unique gifts.
3. Give advice to a niece, nephew, or cousin.
4. Invest in others who have strengths and talents similar to your own.
5. Provide financial support for nonprofit hospitals and organizations that care for children.
6. Serve as a spiritual mentor for someone who just committed or recommitted their life to Christ.
7. Share words of knowledge and wisdom through speaking and writing.
8. Sponsor a child through a ministry like Compassion International.
9. Teach children in a daycare or school.
10. Volunteer through a formal mentoring program for children, teens, or young adults.

Each year, we honor moms on Mother’s Day. This is a wonderful time to also remember the women who have mentored us through the years. May we take the opportunity each Mother’s Day to celebrate the special role women carry out on the earth.