Simply Being a Mom…

I can remember always wanting to be a mom.   I always pictured myself with tons of little ones running around, and me, being a homemaker.

It stuns me to this day, that my dreams came true…

I became pregnant just two months after our wedding and couldn’t have been more thrilled.  We were young and just out of college and I remember people saying, “Don’t you want to enjoy being married first before you have kids?”  I never understood that question. To us, having kids would make our marriage that much more enjoyable!

Of course, motherhood has its up and downs.  But it is something I couldn’t imagine not doing.  I am completely and utterly in love with each of my children.  I still check on them every night (a few times!) while they are sleeping, and find myself just staring at them.  I stare at them and see the depths of their souls.  And when they lay there so peaceably at night, no matter how un-peaceful our day was, I see God’s mastery at Work.  I am humbled.

Each one of my kids are so unique.

Grace, 10, amazes me with her uncanny social ability.  She is comfortable in pretty much any setting, as long as there are tons of people around.  She is the most non judgmental girl I know.  Anyone she meets, is an instant friend.

Luke, 8,  has delighted me this year in seeing His love for the Lord be so apparent.  He truly owns it, and has a deep relationship with the Lord already at the age of 8.  Recently when he spend 2 hours one morning highlighting all of his favorite Bible verses in his new Bible, I was struck by how much He truly loves the Lord.  He has a great heart.

John has always been our spirited child.  But there are moments when he amazes me when I am least expecting it.  Like when he was telling the little worm last year about Jesus, because he knew the robin was going to come and eat him soon and he would die…oh was that precious.  Evangelizing to a worm!  John has taught me to laugh at times when I want to cry, and to trust in the Lord, that He has a plan for all of my children. God has a plan for all of John’s energy and spirit, if we just channel it properly. John has humbled me by making me see I can never be prideful in my parenting.  All of the challenges I have with him have shown me that.  And most of all, John is FUN.  He has definitely taught me to have fun.

And the “baby”-Ethan…not quite a baby anymore.  I can’t even describe the joy he has brought to my life.  In fact had he been a girl, his name was going to be Joy.  Fitting because he  really is so full of joy.  Seeing him get so excited to be with his brothers and sisters every day is awesome.  My favorite thing lately is when he says, “Mommy…’mere…I show you…” and he grabs my hand to show me something that has excited him for the moment.

Being a mom is never simple.  And certainly not always easy.   But it is truly a gift from God.  A gift that I still can’t fathom he gave me.  And a gift I treasure every moment.  It is a miracle and a constant reminder of God’s power, majesty, and glory.  I see Him in my children each day. I see His Love.  Children can teach you so much about God.  And I see their childlike faith in all things. The lessons they teach me are endless.

Being a Mom means completely dying to self.  Putting others first, even when you don’t feel like it.  Even when it’s 3 in the morning and all you want to do is sleep…but that cry for “Mommy!” transcends any of your own needs…

Being a Mom means sacrifice...”You’re cold? Here is my sweater”…as you shiver…”Oh there are no more cookies…here have mine.”  “You want to take a class? Ok, I didn’t need a new dress anyway” 🙂

Being a Mom means perseverance….“I don’t know how I will get through this day. I’m so tired.” But those little eyes all looking to you to teach them, play with them, just be with them, makes it easier.

Being a Mom means unconditional love….“You are a mean MOM!”  “Yes, I hit my brother!” But we still love anyway….

Yes, being a Mom is a gift from God.

So this Mother’s Day I will just cherish being a mom.  And I will cherish that the Lord chose me to pass on my faith, to them.  What a great responsibility before me…One I will never, ever take for granted….