Motherhood

Motherhood is a journey I've dreamed of since I was little. To have babies of my own, to change their diapers, to read to them, to play with them, to watch them grow. Something about it seemed so magical. I always loved to hold babies (who doesn't??)...their smell, their tiny hands and feet, their breath, their sweet sounds. Nature draws us to them. They are tiny miracles.

Now that I've had four babies of my own, I've changed their diapers, I read to them, I play with them, and I continue to watch them grow, I realize that my dreams were nothing like reality. Reality is h.a.r.d....not because of the work, well, kind of because of the work...but mostly because I've realized that I'm not just taking care of kids, I'm RAISING children. I am RESPONSIBLE for them...their schedules, their fears, their joys, their brokenness when their friends are mean, disciplining them when they lie or sneak candy without asking or are unkind to each other, deciding what is appropriate and not appropriate for them, etc. Shaping children...shaping their HEARTS is hard work. Raising children of God...this is no easy task.

Any Mom I know continually questions her ability, her success, in raising her children. It's not something any mother wants to screw up. You only get one chance. I'm thankful that children are forgiving, that I don't have to be perfect...that I can model for them how to handle my mistakes and they can learn from that too.

I am thankful that I can surround myself with so many wonderful Moms. I have amazing friends with whom I can be honest, that I can share my joys, successes, and challenges of motherhood.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to my wonderful Mother, and to all the mothers I know. Motherhood is a blessing. I praise God for my beautiful, amazing, wonderful children. And I pray for guidance to continue my journey as their mother.