Mothers

As we recover from the formal celebration that is Mother's Day, I feel compelled to reflect on the "mothering" I have been witness to in my own mother, my mother-in-law, my grandmothers, my sister, my sister-in-law, my family, my friends, those I don't know so well but admire in observation from afar, and my own experiences as a mother...

Wow! What a profound task God has put before each of us...and what a profound privilege He has afforded us! While the trials of raising children in the midst of the chaos that is life are overwhelming, the blessings, too, are overwhelmingly abundant! No, I haven't been taking any pills...I know motherhood is not always fun - it can even be agonizing and painful and so many other things I can't even speak to yet. Our many "hats" for our many roles would overflow even the largest of closets, there is no such thing as personal space when you are a mother, and we are overworked and underpaid. But as I see it, the rewards are equally as endless.

My kids don't yet appreciate me most days. In fact, yesterday, the day mother's are to be celebrated around the world, was just a mediocre ordinary day for me. Hudson and I argued all morning because I wouldn't let him wear his holiest jeans (think swiss cheese, not angelic) to church. Jake released his treasured collection of live roley-poleys into our bed (most of them never to be seen again), and Cole was Cole (enough said). Then after church, I went to work and returned home about midnight. They went about their business...taking for granted the little things mommy has done, will do, and is doing. It doesn't make me sad, or mad, or resentful - instead, it gives me pleasure in knowing that they love me regardless of what I am doing, have done, or will do. They love me simply because I am their mother. And they love me every day...

And regardless of the happenings of the day, at the day's end, I can't help thinking about my boys. I often lay in bed, reflecting on the day, and chuckle to myself. Heath and I will lay there and share events from the day - in awe and wonderment that our boys are who they are and reveling in the blessing that they have brought us. We thank God for each of them and for making them who they are!

Being a mommy is an awesome gift from God!


Words of thanks:

I thank you, mom, for being my mother. I have learned so much from you and have many wonderful memories as your daughter. Your love and example have blessed me in so many ways... Know always that I admire you.

Debi, thank you for raising Heath into the husband and father that he is. I know that it wasn't easy, but you can be proud... He is a great man -- my lifeline, my best friend, and the best daddy I could want for our boys!

Brooke, your strength and determination is amazing. You are one of the best mom's I know.

Ellen, I know that your plate is full, but you make it all look effortless...

All of you whom I cherish as friends, I thank you for the inspiration that you have been to me as mothers (even when you think no one is paying attention). It is so much fun to be able to be mommies together...to share in the joys and pains and know that I can also count on you to laugh, cry and pray with me in the highs and lows of motherhood. It excites me to know our children will grow and play together in the Lord!