Being a mom

I wish I was able to fully understand how selfless and amazing my own mother was and still is earlier in life. But having kids of my own now....I totally get it. My mom rocks. She homeschooled all of us 8 kids, and kept the house as clean as she could with kids always there to mess up a room, closet, table or whatever it was she had just cleaned. She had a meal for us every night and was always catering to what each kid preferred. For example: Half this pizza had onions, the other had none, this corner had no sauce, this one had mushrooms. One kid likes blue cheese with theirs, the other likes ranch. Rarely did she have anytime to herself, and I have no memories of her ever complaining about it. And most importantly she made sure we knew at a young age, that Jesus Christ had given us the ultimate gift through the sacrifice of his life. She is the best example of a Godly mother (and wife!) that I know, and I thank her deeply for that.

Being a mom is hard work. Dealing with the whining and constant want of my attention. The never ceasing mess and all day long food preparation. Trying to stay consistent with disciplining and teaching them right from wrong. Don't take this as me boasting either. Yes, my "job" is hard, but I am a ways away from being great at it. My house gets dusty and dirty, and the laundry can pile up. My kids eat peanut butter sandwiches too often at times, and go way too long without baths. My patience can wear thin, and my voice gets raised more than it should. Some days I just want to quit.

But then I hear my one son tell me "I look cute" in a new dress I was trying on, and that I am his "best friend ever." I see my other son's face light up and have him run to me laughing when I come back after being away. I see my children's sweet faces as they sleep sloundly in their beds. I remember that it's all for greater purpose. This is my calling. To serve my children (and husband) for the Glory of God! And then, it's all worth it.

"You wonder sometimes does it matter at all.

Well let me remind you it all matters just as long as you
Do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you
Cause He made you to do
Every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace
With every move that you make
And every little thing you do."

-Steven Curtis Chapman