Mothers Day 2018

As Mother’s Day is approaching I have spent a lot of time just trying to really understand what this day means,  the bigger part of that is what does being a Mother mean? What does it mean to be given this title “Mom, Mother, Mama, Mommy?

On a daily basis this title is one that gets taken for granted by me and probably by most women that have been given this most precious title on the face of the planet. After all being a MOM is HARD HARD HARD HARD WORK. Now, understand that I don’t mean just by being given the title, “MOM.

Motherhood comes in many ways: Maybe you are given the gift of going through pregnancy, maybe you adopt, mayne you are an Aunt, Grandma, Sister, or Friend that just steps up in a big way. Maybe you foster children, Maybe you volunteer. The avenues of becoming a Mom are all different, but the end result is the same. Getting there and going though it is difficult and scary, and you are flooded with questions, fears, and absolute wonder.

Maybe your story is a little different from those examples. The only thing each and every story will always have in common is that it is hard, but more then that Mama’s it is beautiful.

My definition of being a Mama- A woman that steps up and selflessly loves a child by showing compassion, setting limits, and someone that chooses to emulate a positive environment for a child to feel safe in. A mom is someone that feels like she is failing on a daily basis, but she isn’t! A mom is someone that shows up for her children: emotionally, physically, and mentally. A mom is someone that wears many hats. She is a nurse, a coach, a chef, a maid, a seamstress, a hairdresser, a taxi driver, she is an atm, she is an event planner, a personal assistant, a therapist, maybe a personal trainer, she will eventually become a life coach, and she is flexible enough to always be willing to add another hat to her collection if the opportunity presents itself. She is putting everyones needs above her own. She is tired, she is over worked, she is under appreciated, and her hair is a mess, but she is still smiling and patiently waiting for that simple: I love you.

It’s interesting transitioning from being the child that is celebrating ones Mom to the Mom that is being celebrated. From the time you are a tiny tike you have celebrated the women in your life that have loved you selflessly and made a choice to step up and be your Mom. Then comes the day that God says, I choose you to be called Mom. Wow! What a conversation that was/is. I remember looking up each time and saying something along the lines of…. Ummmm- Are you sure this is a good idea? I’m a mess! I am an absolute mess!

God doesn’t make mistakes. TRUTH!

Embrace the mess! A mess is a beautiful thing! Our youngest is 4 and when he is covered in dirt from head to toe, I will say to him, Woah Chandler, then he will immediately respond with, “Mom, do I look like I had fun today?”
Yes buddy! You look like you had so much fun! I have said to him from the time he has been little… Muddy shoes- Wow, those shoes had fun today! Dirty hands- Hey those hands look like they had fun today! Play dates and toys everywhere- Chandler this is proof that you and your friends had fun today. I think sometimes we view a “Mess” when it comes to our kids as a negative thing, when in reality they are beautiful moments.
For instance let’s say you entertain a group of friends at your house and afterwards your home is a “mess” it looks like a home that had laughter, smiles, and conversations for days.
Take a step outside of it and I promise you you will see a set of beautiful moments that are beyond your wildest dreams.

Remember that you might feel like your life is a mess because you are wearing the same yoga pants that you had on for two days, your hair is probably in a bun or a hat, no make up, there are toys everywhere and you probably had to get take out because the day got away from you- but I promise those kiddos of yours view you as a superhero! You are the center of there world. They think you are the most beautiful perfect Mommy on the face of the planet.

Remember that the tough moments along with the great moments will pass (This to shall pass). Take a moment today and just look back at all the awesome that you have been able to experience. Your body is strong! Your heart is huge! You are fierce! You are a MOM!!

I am beyond thankful for this wonderful gift of Motherhood. I am thankful that God chose me to raise these individuals! I am so thankful that he has blessed me with an amazing husband, partner, and friend to do life with.