There's nothing quite like being a Mommy. I love all of the titles I carry: wife, sister, daughter, friend... but there is something so special about being a Mommy. Maybe because it is, by far, the hardest job I've ever had and will ever have. Many times I've caved under the pressure of it all. I've wished I had a boss with a hefty comb-over in true Trump fashion, who might utter the words, you're fired, and I could pack up my office in a tiny brown box and be done (even for a day). The days where tears flow freely and my heart aches as frustrations mount higher than my laundry pile or to-do-list. When I don't have the answers or energy to break up spats and clean up messes. When I'm too selfish to invest. Being a Mommy will break you, one way or another, and force you to be self-less. It's a good thing. It's a beautiful thing!
They say joys are the most cherished when we've walked through the fire of our trials and testings and come out victorious! Enduring and experiencing pain makes the joy that much more enjoyable. I think back to my third child's labor where I willingly endured it all-natural! This experience was nothing like my previous two labors of which I had epidurals. There was nothing quite like going from the most excruciating pain I've ever experienced to complete relief within seconds. I'd do it all over again; there's nothing quite like it.
I love the quote in one of my very favorite books, Gold By Moonlight by, Amy Carmichael
"There is something in the trend of our thoughts that is like the backwash of the waves, as wave after wave breaks on the shore. We have looked up. We have seen the lovely radiance of that upper air. But our feet must walk the ways of the earth down that dreary hill, past those sombre trees, and into the valley, before we can press up through the mist and stand under shining skies."
The blessings that come from being a Mommy far outweigh the years of tears, baggy sweatpants, messy buns, sacrificial love, and the feeling that we are completely and utterly cut off from the real world. The blessings of seeing children grasp the love of God is priceless. The moment your strong-willed babe leans over and kisses you and says, Wov-u Mama, without any prompting. The fruit of your labor of love, dedication to discipline and training and teaching. Over. and over. and over. and over again.
The messes you let them make;
piles of play dough,
hands deep in flour,
tables marked with crayon and maker,
for the sake of creativity and togetherness!
You are enduring, dear Mama.
You are doing amazing work!
You are sacrificing many things in order to give your children the best you can.
You are, many days, tired and weary.
Stay strong, dear Mommy! Your work in not in vain, and you will yield fruit in due season! Do not be weary in well doing! Keep going, day by day! Find your joy and strength in the Lord.
Psalm 127: 3-5 MSG:
3-5 Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?
the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows
are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents,
with your quivers full of children!
Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you;
you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep.
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Beautiful and lovely and so true... I wish someone would fire me once and awhile:) I feel at times someone else could do it better but then God's love and grace helps me through!! Love this:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jennifer! Just remember, no one is better equipped for the role of being your children's mother than you are. God knew the exact girls you would have to raise, and likewise, he knew their Mama would be you! <3 Lean into God's grace and strength! Love you.
ReplyDeleteThat was such a beautiful post. I think most mothers can relate. I laughed a little when you wrote about packing up your things in a brown box. I've had my eye on a few of those that sit in the garage. But then laugh later and thank God for getting me thru and keeping me here in the best place to be, motherhood.
ReplyDeleteI love Phil 4:13. I'm currently reading a book (bible study) by Cynthia Heald, "Becoming a woman of strength". It's a must read for weary mamas. Which is all of us :) May we continue to reach for the Lord's strength and not our own and call ourselves blessed.
Great post. I'd love to be "fired" some days! That's so funny!
ReplyDeleteOver and over and over....ain't that the truth.
Lovely post and oh so true. My 3 are grown with their own little new families. And my heart is still in love with being a mom. I love it when my grown children visit us and when they invite us over for special times to share in their being moms and dads.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post Traci. You're so right. Thanks for your inspiration and encouragement...Your babies, and you, are gorgeous!=D
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful Traci, and hits so close to home (especially the part about sweat pants and messy buns). You have such a gift fir writing and encouragement. I wish there was a n "Ordinary Inspirations" devotional I could keep in my purse. This was just the encouragement I needed this morning after a night of almost no sleep with my teething 8 month old. You're right....there is nothing quite like being a mom. Thank you!
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ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post and oh so true. Being a mom is by far the hardest job I have ever done. I have a senior in high school and a seven year. Having a teenager is so bittersweet. I would love to just to keep her little for a little longer :) Thanks so much for stopping by! Heather
ReplyDeletethis is almost like you were in my nursery this morning recording one of my "mommy breakdowns", glad to know Im not the only one, this is beautiful :)
ReplyDeletebrooke @ what2wear