On Being A Mama

For some reason, Typepad made me re-enter my login ID and password - usually it remembers it for me. And for some reason, I was having trouble remembering it, and it wasn't letting me into my account. So I click on "Need Help?" to, well, get some help. And a screen comes up, saying in order for them to help me, I needed to enter my login ID and password.

How did we ever survive before the internet?

But, in reality, sometimes being a Mama can feel like that to me. Like, yes, I need help, but THIS isn't helping. You know that feeling? I need a better way to discipline, and yelling sure isn't cutting it. I need a better way to probe the heart of my child, but getting "I don't know" is doing nothing. I need to be more patient, and this fit of rage is not quite what I had in mind. I need to take advantage of those teachable moments, but sometimes I'm more caught up in "what's next?" to remember. Like I need some sort of message or sign, and this doing it on my own is for the birds.

 

{Summer 2008}

"Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace." 2 Corinthians 4:16 MSG

Ah, THERE'S my message. There's my help. Did you catch that? Not a day goes by. Not a day goes by that God doesn't pour out His grace on me. I was impatient? There's grace. I messed up? More grace. I yelled at my husband or kids? Even MORE grace. Not a day goes by!

Being a Mama is tough work. It's hard, sometimes it's thankless and demanding and exhausting and full of challenges. But then, at the end of the day, when I'm tucking my kids in bed, and they are smiling at me as they whisper "I love you", I breathe in the full grace of God. And I am truly thankful.

I think becoming a Mom makes you appreciate your own Mom so much more. So, Mom, even though it's been awhile since you've had young kids, I can now appreciate all the sacrifices, all the demands and challenges and love and grace that YOU extended for your children. And I am so thankful for your example, and the relationship you have with my own children.

 

{One of my favorite pictures - Summer 2008}

I feel passionate about my role as a Mama. Sometimes the weight of the burden is so heavy I fear I will be crushed. And so I pray a lot. And I try to remember grace - and to extend it to my own kids. I feel blessed to be called to this role, this role that I cherish and love and that brings me great joy.

I can't imagine missing out on:

* Sweet sloppy slobbery kisses from a two year old

* That first newborn smile (who cares if it was gas? It's priceless.)

* Hearing the squeal of "Look at THAT!!" over such every day things like a butterfly or smooth rock

* The smell of baby skin

* Hearing the high-pitched toddler discovering his voice can make different sounds

* Bursts of giggles over the silliest of things (and wondering why these moments must involve bodily functions??)

* Four words: "I love you, Mama"

* Adorable little chunky toddler hands

* All the joy, the laughter, and the love

I hope you take some time today to reflect on your own blessings in this wonderful journey called Motherhood.

Happy Mother's Day!

Comments

[Ashley Lee]

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to you to Megan! I too am very thankful for the opportunity I am having being a mother. Some days are definately challenging, but thank God the good ones out way the difficult. Hope you are having a wonderful day celebrating the gift of motherhood. :)

[Renee]

Hi Megan. Happy Mother's Day!!! Thanks so much for sharing that message of grace from God's Message. I'm another mom who needs it - so much!

[MiMi]

Somebody's got to do it and I am so happy that that somebody is me!!! I am thankful everyday for my two precious grandchildren and would gladly drive every weekend (or week) for their needs and love. It is a special kind of love that I cherish and can't seem to get enough of!!