We’re in the throes of the hormone-induced, cry at the drop of the hat years with my older daughter. We continue to struggle with my younger daughter controlling her tongue and thinking before she acts. Between the two of them, there are days when I just want to walk away. There are days when I wonder if I’m making any difference at all.
Then there are the days like Monday when my older daughter looks at me and says, “I’m so glad you’re my mom.”
Psalm 127:3 says “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” There are a lot of days around here where I forget that verse. I certainly don’t feel rewarded for being a mom. There are lots of days when I wish someone would just say “thank you” or “I’m sorry.” There are days when I feel invisible to the outside world, days when I wonder if what I’m doing is significant.
But then there are the days I know it’s all worth it. So, if you’re struggling to remember why being a mom is a high calling, if you feel invisible and isolated, if you’re dealing with more than you think you can handle, remember that these are the things that make it all worth it:
A hug for no reason
A sticky kiss
The light bulb moment when your child understands something you’ve been trying to teach them
Words of wisdom from a little one’s mouth
Smiles and giggles
Arms raised in the air after a big accomplishment
Hearing scripture from the lips of your child
Quiet moments on the couch
Reading aloud together
A family meal filled with conversation and laughter
Watching your child be kind to another
Listening to a little one pray
Recognizing a moment you’d like to freeze in time
The look of surprise on a child’s face when they get something they want
Birthdays and Christmas
A quiet conversation that heals a wounded heart
The words “I love you” spoken from a child’s lips
In the midst of parenting, it’s not hard to forget the simple moments and focus too heavily on the work involved. Take a moment today to remember why being a mom is worth it.
Linking up today with Denise in Bloom.