Motherhood to Me

Mother's Day is here and what does that mean to this mother of three?   I stop to ponder what would make my Mother's Day special and discover that the best Mother's Day doesn't include a Hallmark card, or a huge bouquet of flowers, or even chocolate candy.  For me, this day is set aside to remember how very blessed I am to have three little people call me "Mama."

Motherhood is a joy, a challenge, and the very best gift I have ever received.  Being a mother takes courage, hope, and more love than I ever thought I had.  But it has its rewards too. In return for my efforts, I get kisses, flowers from the yard, silly little stories, Harris-isms, TWINS, and so much more.

So, this Mother's Day, I pray my children know that I don't care much about receiving a gift.  I've already been given all I've ever really wanted.  Them.

Motherhood is love and so much more.  For me, Motherhood is...

• That very first ultrasound.  That very first heartbeat.  That very first kick.

• Bottles, formula, and endless amounts of baby food on the kitchen floor.

• Diaper changes and feedings at Midnight, 2 am, 4 am and 6 am.  (times two)

• Long naps in the bed with two babies and then three.

• Feeling like those long infant nights are never going to end.  And then they do.

• Carrying arm loads of baby carriers, strollers, and diaper bags.

• Car, then mini-van, then big SUV.

• Potty-training, pull-ups, and big boy pants.

• Accidents in Target, accidents in Wal-Mart, accidents at church, and big girl panties.

• Ballet practice, ballet costumes, and ballet recitals.

• Baseball practice, baseball practice, and more baseball practice.

• Baby laundry, big kid laundry, and endless laundry!

• Bedtime stories, bedtime prayers, and very special bedtime talks.

• Smiles from the bleachers to a nervous 1st baseman.

• Cheers from the sidelines to a very brave goalkeeper.

• Lunch after doctor appointments to postpone school one more hour.

• Playing hangman in church and passing gum to keep them quiet.

• Praying over and over they find Jesus as their Savior.

• Gentle words of encouragement when friends' words leave a scar.

• Calling my own Mama when I need a little help.

• Saying NO when sometimes you really want to say YES.

• Two miscarriages that leave me lonely, hurt, and afraid.

• Ultrasounds that show Baby A and Baby B.

• Preschool plays, preschool pictures, and preschool good-byes.

• Kindergarten friends and then reading books to me.

• "Mama! Watch this!" and giving back a "Woo Hoo!"

• Coupe cars, then training wheels, and riding bikes.

• Watching the corner while he rides his bike around the block for the first time. The sigh of relief when I see him making the turn.

• "Mama, can I have the keys? I need to pick up a friend."

• Piano recitals, church choirs, and singing in the backseat.

• Swimming pools, floaties, and "Look Mom!  I can dive!"

• Saying "I love you" and knowing it can never fully describe the way my heart feels.

• Hearing "I love you" from that baby and instantly my heart melts.

• Peanut butter sandwiches and lunchboxes for three.

• Surprise trips to get ice cream just because we can.

• "Dear God, I don't know what to do. This mothering stuff is tough."

• Saying "I'm sorry. Mama messes up too."

• Long, tight hugs after a heartbreaking defeat in the championship game.

• Jumping and screaming for my All-Star who scores a winning run.

• The lump in my throat when hearing "Take him to the E.R. I think it's a concussion."

• Wiping tears and long hugs when Bailey, our dog, goes to be with Jesus. 

• "I miss Great Dad" and mustering an "I do too."

• Knowing that I wouldn't be the mother I am today if I didn't have the greatest Mama of my own.

• Allowing three little people take my heart with them everywhere they go.

• Rocking babies and hearing sweet whispers from above, "I love you even more than this."

Being a mother is the greatest gift I've ever known. God has used this experience to show me love, mercy, and grace.  There are so many ways that He pours out His love for us here on Earth.  I believe making me a mother is one very special way He makes me into the person He wants me to be.  And for that, I am eternally grateful. 


Dear Jesus,

So many times I've thanked you for making me Mama to Matt, Macy, and Harris.  If I thanked you every day for the rest of life, I couldn't thank you enough for the gifts of these three babies.  They fill my heart with joy and my life with purpose.  Through them, I see a little bit more of you each day.  Use them to mold me.  And may they see You in me.  Chase them, Jesus, and never let go.  I love you so.  Amen.

Children are a gift from God.  They are his reward. Psalm 127:3