Yes, yes you did just read that right.
Wait, isn’t this the week that we celebrate all things wonderful about motherhood and are supposed to walk away with warm and cuddly feelings?
Those who are truthful about motherhood will know what I mean about having times when it really stinks. If you aren’t there yet, just wait, it’s coming.
Like the time last week when all 4 of my children had the stomach flu and threw up repeatedly during the same 24 hour period. That really was not on my list of favorite motherhood memories.
Or the pure physical exhaustion of all we have to do every day like cleaning, cooking, car pooling, laundry, work, and when you are finally through with all of that, you get to start it all over again.
If we are truly honest with ourselves, there are times when motherhood is hard, even harder than we ever thought it could be. Those times when we feel unequal to the task and inadequate to teach our children all of the lessons we so desperately want them to learn about the world and themselves. Sometimes we feel powerless to do something that we see other mothers do so easily. Or punish ourselves when we feel as if we have failed at some self-appointed parenting milestone.
The important lesson that all mothers NEED to learn is that in order to be the perfect parent for our children we don’t have to be perfect.
Let me repeat that, We don’t have to be perfect.
Not every day will be memorable, awe-inspiring, or even ones that we want to repeat. Some days will be long and some nights will be even longer. At times like this we need to find the good, focus on that good and hold on to it tightly and keep moving forward.
Always keep moving forward.
Other days will be magical with moments that will take our breath away. I heard a story once about a very busy mother that was engaged in the necessities of raising her family. The wind was blowing and the children had made kites. The mother was busy doing laundry and the children came and asked her to fly kites with them. The mother looked at her huge pile of laundry and her even bigger to do list and walked away from it, stepped outdoors and flew kites with her children, Many years later the children would still talk about that day with fondness, with no recollection of perhaps not having their favorite shirt ready the next day.
I have mentioned before one of my parenting idols, besides my own mother is Marjorie Pay Hinckley.
Our power as mothers is our love. Our love is made of the stuff that can move mountains, change hearts, mend souls and heal those who are broken through both our words and touch.
To the world you may just be one person, but when you are a mother never ever underestimate the power of your love and influence for good within the walls of your own home. It is immeasurable.
So to all of the mothers out there every day who are trying their best to love wholeheartedly, I salute you and say Happy Mother’s Day.
Stay Happy! Stay Informed!
Love,
Jen
