My thoughts on Motherhood

* My friend Melissa from 320 Sycamore is featuring this post on her blog today.  Each year she invites  a few moms to share their thoughts on motherhood with her readers.  Be sure to stop over and read all of the wonderful insights other moms are sharing this year.

Let's be honest.  Some days I want to stay under the covers instead of face the many tasks that lay ahead.  Each day I think I will get caught up, yet each day brings new surprises to remind me that there will always be more to do.  More dirty clothes to pick up that didn’t make it to the hamper.  More dishes to wash, and crumbs to sweep away.  More school papers to sign, and more schedules to keep up with.  Endless shopping, organizing, refereeing, loving, listening, and reminding.

How did you do it mom?  You made it look so easy.

And I think I only saw you cry once!  You  never stopped moving when I was a kid, and even though we are all grown and gone, you still don’t stop.  If you are not trying out new recipes in the kitchen, you are either preparing lessons for your church assignments, working your part time job, volunteering at the church’s temple, exercising, cleaning, visiting and caring for your old or sick neighbors (even watching the children of your young neighbors), decorating your home, or shopping…all of which I try to emulate in my life.  Then you are flying around the country to visit your children and grand kids that moved away from you…and still looking out for us and loving us even though we are all grown and gone.

You taught me to embrace being a homemaker, of which I am eternally grateful (even if I feel inadequate at times).  From you, I inherited a serious drive for creativity and resourcefulness…skills and a mind set that have saved me in a lot of pinches, and brought me much joy.

I’m trying…

And in the name of creativity, I still let them pull every pillow, sofa cushion, and blanket in the house to the family room to make forts, and try to smile when the weekend is over and I have to put it all away. 

I try to say “yes” more often than I say “no”. 

I follow through on consequences

I expect them to work without allowance

I expect them to do their best in school and in church responsibilities

They understand that what their friends have is not important.  That “things” don’t buy happiness. 

They know we treat each other with love and respect.  More importantly, they know we apologize and forgive.  

I’ve learned…

To listen more than talk

That it’s okay if their rooms aren't spotless all the time.

That their disappointments and heartaches are actually blessings for growth.

That it is not a safe world out there, and I need to protect them from physical and moral harm, yet teach them to survive and thrive in a morally decaying world.

That they are not mine, just entrusted to my care.

To trust in God and listen for His guidance.

Recently, my 12 year old son started opening doors for me.  He gives me hugs and tells me how much he loves me.  My 15 year old son is quick to ask forgiveness, and smiles when he sees me…even when I pick him up from track in front of his friends in my rusty old van.  He thanks me for all I do for him.  And my little daughter, she gave me a two hour spa the other weekend…just because.  She writes me notes and tells me how much she loves me, and still picks me flowers.

 It is during these tender moments that God lets me know, that I must be doing something right, 

and I am truly blessed.