Saturday, March 28, 2009

Growing Up As A Mom

I listen to so many moms that are mired in the day to day caring of babies, toddlers and young people, that get frustrated because they have no time to do what they want to do. They are delighted with their young ones, but long for some creative time, or personal time for themselves. I too felt that way many times, but alas, age has me in a place now where I have one (not so small) young one left at home. Being a teen, he doesn't need me for every little thing anymore, and I'm okay with that. He's growing into the man God created him to be, and it's very important to me that he learns to be independent, so he will have a full life. After having many birds fly from my nest, I have seen what is good, and not so good. I am pleased with how my last one is growing. I am also thrilled to find time to do all of those many things I wanted to do forever, but just couldn't-- because of my duties as a mother. I am growing into the woman God created me to be. Yes, He created me to be a mother, and don't get me wrong, I love my job. I have been raising children for more than 30 years. By the time my youngest is 18, I will have been a full-time mom for 38 years. Imagine that. You will probably be a full-time mom for about 20 or so. God knew my heart, and gave me many blessings to raise-including some that didn't actually belong to me! I am thankful. Now, seasons in my home are changing. I will have more time to do what I've always longed to do. This is very exciting! Becoming the bloom that God planted so long ago, is an amazing adventure. I am realizing many dreams as I grow older. I am writing, teaching, creating, learning, and enjoying those moments I do get to myself.
I want to encourage you moms who are weary from your house full of young ones. It does not go on forever, no matter how much you think it will. Honestly, you will turn your head and it's over. Your babies have flown the coop-if you've done your job correctly. Self-sacrifice is a must for you to have children that grow to be great adults. Our job is long, time consuming, many times thankless, and can be very frustrating. It is also the most rewarding job on the planet. You are shaping the future. God's men and women, that He will use for His glory. March on my friends! Hold on to your little ones, as they will be gone before you know it. Enjoy the journey, and know that your future holds great times of self, after you finish this job that God has given to you.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

A Mother's Love

It's an amazing thing-a mother's love. Our hearts hold so much more than we think is even possible. The love we have for our children is immeasurable. It does not matter how young or old they are, we love them-period.
I am ever so thankful for God's wisdom when He created a mothers heart. He knew there would be many hard roads we would travel upon, so He gave us a heart that seems to continually grow to hold all that needs holding.
Watching a grown child hurt emotionally, is almost too much to bear. You want to treat them like the adult they are, to respect their need for independence, and at the same time, you want to cradle them in your arms and tell them that it's okay, and make their hurt go away. You remember the days of long ago, when they were little and a hug from you was all it took to make rainbows appear in their eyes once again.
I was able to have a rare opportunity with one of mine, to be there when he needed me the most. To be his confidant and to help guide him through his heartaches. I feel so very blessed to have a heart that can see my children's hearts. We've had our rough patches, but we are still connected, he and I. To look at your grown son, is to see the little boy you once bounced on your knee. The little boy who asked you to marry him, because you were the most wonderful girl in his world. The little one who knew he could count on you; forever.
No matter how old your child becomes, he is your little one, always. A love story of its own. He will marry, have children of his own and become the man you have trained him to be. Yet, somewhere in that man's frame is your cherished sweet boy.
What a blessing it is, to be able to have such a relationship, and a love that lasts a lifetime.