Me with the girls who call me "Mom"
The idea of motherhood for me has changed a great deal from when I was a child and HAD a mom (note: I still have a mom!), to when I had children of my own and BECAME a mom. Here are some things I have learned:
- When you are a child and you HAVE a mom, you may think she has some pretty strange tastes. She likes the end piece of the bread, she always eats the burnt piece of chicken, and how can she stand those licorice jelly beans?
When you ARE a mom, you realize that when you go to make yourself a sandwich, the only pieces of bread that will be left in the bread bag are the end pieces. At dinner you know that lonely burnt piece of chicken will just sit there unless you eat it –besides, you burned it, you earned it, you get to eat it! And black jelly beans… well if you ever hope to eat another jelly bean at Easter time, you better learn to like the black ones. They are my mom’s favorites.
- When you HAVE a mom, you think it is sooooooo sweet that she always saves that last piece of cake and puts it up on a special little plate up in the cabinet just for you.
When you ARE a mom, you remind yourself once again, that next time you need to find a better hiding place for your secret snack time treats.
And just when you are tempted to have a pity party for yourself, you realize that Mom does not live by bread (or chicken or jelly beans) alone and that the most important nourishment you can get will come from God’s word. (Luke 4:4)
- When you HAVE a mom, there may be times when you are convinced that she is not nearly as fun as Dad and wonder why she doesn’t always come with you and Dad to the park, or the lake, or on a bike ride.
When you ARE a mom, you find yourself daydreaming about Dad walking in the door and announcing Prince Charming style that he is taking the kids to the park, because you know what that means…. you are going to get…. a BATH!
And just when you are about to lose your mind wondering if you’ll ever wash your hair again, you are reminded that a clean pure heart is even more important to God. (Matthew 5:8)
- When you HAVE a mom, you may think she does some strange things like crying when she is happy?!
When you ARE a mom, you know in your heart that those initial tears of joy you shed when you first saw your baby’s sweet face are only the beginning of many tears that you will have throughout the life of this child: happy tears, sad tears, frustrated tears, worried tears, prayerful tears.
And just when we begin to wonder what all this crying in about, we can remind ourselves that our tears are precious to God. The Bible says He sees our tears, saves our tears, and one day will wipe away all our tears. (Psalm 126:5, Psalm 56:8, Revelation 21:4)
- When you have a mom, you may find yourself wondering why she can’t be a “cool mom” that’s more like a best friend than a parent.
When you ARE a mom, you will find yourself calling your really cool best friend (who just happens to be your Mom) and asking her when you can quit being mom & just be a friend to your child. She’ll tell you that the better parent you are now, the better friend you will have later.
And just when you are about to give up on your child having the kind of friends she needs, you will remember to tell her that Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother, and He is always there. (Proverbs 18:24)
- When you HAVE a mom, you know that if you cry out because you had a bad dream, she will be beside your bed to comfort you.
When you ARE a mom and you hear that little cry from down the hall, first you wonder why Daddy ears don’t work as well as Mommy ears in the middle of the night, and then you rush to your child’s bed to assure her everything will be ok.
Just when you start to wonder how long you will have to make these midnight comfort runs, you are reminded that you won’t always get to, but that you serve the God of all comfort who promises His children that He is a very present help in time of trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
- When you HAVE a mom, you know she loves you.
When you ARE a mom, you suddenly know HOW MUCH she has loved you.
You also begin to get a glimpse, just a glimpse, of how much God must love you. (John 3:16)
- When you have a mom, you are convinced that even though she does some things you don’t understand, she is the greatest mom in the world.
When you ARE a mom, you look around at other moms and you are convinced that you are NOT the greatest mom in the world.
Then you remember who gave you this job. God Himself has graciously given you this job! Your job is to raise your children so that they can move from depending on you to depending on God. And as you serve this great God, He has everything you need to be the mother He has called you to be. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
Motherhood itself is the perfect Mother’s Day Gift!
Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, who has taught me so much & loved me through all the tough stuff, and to all the other moms out there trying to do the best you can for your children.
I’d love to hear what perspectives motherhood has changed for you. Leave a note in the comments…
I’m a Believer!
Laura
I'm a Believer 