The Splendid Mess of Motherhood

Motherhood is such a funny thing.  It can bring all sorts of emotions. Whether we have given birth, adopted or even mentored another human being.  This title carries many hills and valleys.  You don’t have to give birth to be a mother figure in someone’s life.  I have 3 kids but also a few that I get to be mothering too.  There are pieces of this journey that are hysterically funny.  Something could have happened 15 years ago and you still laugh about it.  There are moments where we grieve.  Sometimes it is over our children’s choices.  And at times, maybe because of what they have had to endure.  This journey can and will be a fabulous one with some sad and lonely parts.

Motherhood also brings all sorts of hats.  I am a: tudor, counselor, chef, nurse, Uber driver, CFO, housecleaner and personal assistant to each of them.  Even a computer technician (for reelz y’all….I literally know nothing about computers and I have this love/hate relationship with GOOGLE.  It’s my friend most days and at times, an enemy).

Motherhood is not an easy role to play.  It will be my greatest calling and something that will bring the most satisfying rewards.  The days goes by fast but the hours can be long and lonely.  Sometimes it is filled with hugs and kisses.  We feel so appreciated those days.  Other days, there will be frustration and heartache, where there is also little gratitude.  Most days I feel inadequate to do the job.  I feel like I am not enough.  Look at the list above, it’s huge! I only know 2 ways to make it a successful job.  First, lean heavy on Jesus and His word.  The Bible is my resource book on how to do life.  It talks about how to communicate, how to forgive, how to serve, how to love.  The “how to’s” list goes on and on.  The second thing is that I cannot worry about tomorrow.  I can only focus on today.  Something I really struggle with.  I’m a planner.  I don’t like surprises.  I need to ask God for enough wisdom for today, a measure of grace, a bucket load of laughter, and the ability to show forgiveness.   Like I said, most days I feel like I fall short.  My kids are beyond great.  They are my heartbeat!  I am so very thankful for each of them.  They were babies yesterday.  In just a few months I will have 2 high schoolers and 1 middle schooler.  Where did the time go?  I ask myself all the time, have I taught them enough?  Do they really understand how to walk in integrity?  Have they learned how to work hard? Have I prepared them to be a responsible independent adults?  Is their relationship with Jesus their own?  Do they know that Jesus loves them, and wants to be their friend?  My greatest desire for them is to love God and be kind.  I feel like so many doors will open if they can focus on those 2 things.

So my friends.  Let’s keep motherhood simple.  Let’s work hard and get the next thing done.  Let’s laugh A LOT.  Let’s be calm.  Let’s keep serving and finally…find the joy in that splendid mess.

PS:  So you know how valued you are, click the video below.  Our job is immeasurable and such a gift to us personally and to those that God has allowed us to love on.