Mother's Day 2017

Recently I was talking with a colleague about Mother's Day and we were having a conversation about how hard this day is for many mothers. There are many reasons why it is difficult. Whether you desperately want to have a child and can't. Or you have lost a child. Or perhaps your mother has passed away or you have had a falling out and are not on speaking terms. Whatever the reason, this day can be particularly difficult. Add to that the expectations that are put on special days like this and there is added stress.

I recently read a devotion about being a mom and how we all want to be the best mom we can be. The devotion went on to talk about how we want to be more than we are. We want to be more patient. We want to be more calm and always keep it together, even when our kids are throwing that tantrum or really pushing the limits on the only nerve we seem to have left. We want more wisdom to do the right thing. We want more time - more time to let all the insignificant things go and spend more time on the things that truly matter. More time to go for ice cream. More time to cuddle. More time to lie in bed after reading that story and prayers to just talk. More time. Time to just slow down and be. More time to do it right when we so often feel like we are failing. What we really want more than the wrapped up gifts is to know that in the end, our children remember the good, even on days that weren't perfect. And we all know there are so many days that aren't perfect.

Mother's Day in our home today wasn't perfect and then in other ways it was perfect. There was no breakfast in bed. And we were a little too rushed leaving for church which left tensions higher than they should have been. We didn't get to go for the walk by the river as the weather was cool and rainy. After lunch at the Farmer's Market, there was one whiny little girl and I wanted a do-over so I went upstairs for a few minutes until she decided she wanted a do-over as well. There was a little boy who wasn't done writing his message in my Mother's Day Journal so wanted me to let him finish. And so we had a do-over. But then I was called down to receive the hand-made treasures. To receive the messages in my Mother's Day Journal which when I read them show a glimpse of loving children who do appreciate Mom and who do remember the good, even on days that are far from perfect.

After feeling this love, the kids helped me clean up around the yard a bit before we did a DQ run. We brought our ice cream home and cuddled on the couch to catch up on some Amazing Race while the rain fell outside. I got in a cat nap and then we had a yummy steak supper. And although the supper was yummy, we also needed a do-over of proper table etiquette. But, at the end of the day, as I tuck my children, with prayers and whispered words of love, I know that I am blessed. And that I am far from being a perfect Mom but that God chose me to be Mom to these two precious children and that I am ENOUGH!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you! Know that you matter. Remember that you are loved. Remember that you are ENOUGH and that you are doing an amazing job!