The Joy of Motherhood

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." (Proverbs 31:28-29 ESV)

 The most beautiful, incredible, and successful woman I have ever known is my mother! In her own words, "like Leonardo Davinci, and Michael Angelo had a masterpiece; my greatest masterpiece, and life's work is my five children!" Can you imagine how different our world would be if every woman viewed motherhood this way? She has spent her life investing in six eternal souls, her five children and her husband. She has impacted far more people than she will ever know while living on this earth! I can't count the times people have shared how my mother has made an impression on them in some way.  What is even more amazing to me is that she never tried to get  attention or praise from others. She never wanted to be in the spotlight, in fact she went out of her way to stay out of the spotlight. I've never once heard her brag about anything she has done. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (‭Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭12‬ ESV)

 When you are living a surrendered life to God and desire to please Him alone,  you have the ability to make a far greater impact than those who live to please themselves and others.

 The fact that my mom lived a life of such humility, yet was so filled with joy, peace, and contentment made a deep impression on me. We live in a culture that preaches the message "It's all about me! My goals, my accomplishments, my desires, my happiness" etc. Yet the people who live with this mindset actually feel quite empty inside and have a hard time being fully content in any circumstance good or bad.

 The happiest, and most content people I've ever met are those who spend their lives pouring into, and serving others! In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (‭Acts‬ ‭20‬:‭35‬ ESV)

 Don't get me wrong, I'm all about "me time" and I believe that it is very important for a mother to take care of herself. I believe taking time for myself, doing things I enjoy, setting personal goals, etc. is a must and  makes me a much better mom and wife! :-)

 My dad and siblings would all agree with me when I say that none of us would be where we are today if it wasn't for my mom's sacrificial labor of love. My mother lived out the gospel beautifully while raising us. I never once felt as a child that she was sacrificing her goals and dreams for us, because it was so evident that we were her heartbeat! She knew that investing in our lives was far more valuable than any other pursuit she could go after. She would tell us often that she loved being our mom. I will never forget that!

  A question for all the mamas out there; are you fulfilling your role as mother out of duty or joy? Now, we ALL have our hard days where we feel tired, discouraged, unappreciated, etc. But at the end of the day you can either see motherhood as something to get through or something to enjoy and cherish. The choice is yours, and it will impact your children.  I know there are mothers who didn't have this example in their lives. Well, be encouraged! The Creator of the universe views motherhood as a high calling, if not THE highest calling!  And His Word is very clear about how He views this role.

  Barbra Walters is one of the most successful women in the world. In an interview she explains a regret that she has, here is what she says;  “I was so busy with a career. It’s the age-old problem,” ..... “And, you know, on your death bed are you going to say, ‘I wish I spent more time in the office?’ No. You’ll say, ‘I wish I spent more time with my family,’ and I do feel that way. I wish I had spent more time with my Jackie.”

 The years we have with our precious little ones are very short! I know it doesn't seem that way when everyday can feel like the same routine, but the truth is our children will be grown ups in the blink of an eye! I've never heard a mother of grown children say, "It took forever for them to grow up!" No, instead I always hear, "Cherish every moment because they grow up so fast!"

 Here is an honest question to ask yourself;  "If I were to die tomorrow, what is the memory my husband and children would have of me?" Would they remember a complaining, bitter, resentful mom and wife? Or, would they remember a joyful, happy, thankful mom and wife? No one is promised tomorrow.........NO ONE! What are you living for?  Our time on earth is a vapor! My husband's grandmother is 86 years old; the last few times we have visited with her she has told me the same thing; "I've lived for 86 years but it has flown by, my life has gone by so fast!" 86 years is a long time, but seems so short once you've lived those years. Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Selah (‭Psalms‬ ‭39‬:‭5‬ NKJV)

 Another question I want you to ask yourself is this; "If I I knew I only had one month to live, how would I spend my last month?" Personally, I would want to soak up and cherish every moment with my precious family!! Remember, you really could have just one month to live and not even know it! I often keep this reality in mind, and it helps me keep my priorities in check!

 How God defines success is opposite of how the world defines success. If you truly get this, you will find contentment in whatever He calls you to do; and if He has chosen to bless you with children, you can be assured He has called you to raise them, and pour your life into nurturing their eternal souls! I promise you will never regret it!

Happy Mother's Day! <3