Mothers...Do
Mothers don’t do it for the respect. As soon as you become a mother, you drop down
the pecking order of the world by at least half. Open criticism, arrogant put-downs, and
degrading assumptions are the norm. People assume you are lacking in intelligence,
the more children you have. Even when
expecting, total strangers and especially cashiers feel they suddenly have the
right to voice their opinions on motherhood, some attempting to touch your
tummy at the same time they criticize having kids in the first place. The world
will not rise up and call you blessed.
Mothers don’t do it for the glory. Constant responsibility, irrational uprisings
from people of all sizes, the chaotic circus of stress often becomes an
unrequested part of daily routine, as if all troubles are drawn to the magnet
of Mom to attempt to solve the unsolvable.
Bodily functions are your special domain, and being covered in dirty
substances you cannot identify is just part of your uniform. Bathroom breaks are opportunities for total
destruction to occur (how COULD you not be there for two minutes!) and hot
bubble baths with lovely aromas are fond dreams of a great reward.
Mothers don’t do it for the money or an easy life. Let it be said that all mothers work. All simply do not get paid. Sadly, it is women themselves who are the
harshest critics of those who are at home with their family, inside the church
as well as outside. Women need to give
each other a break, and admit that even children over the age of five need
their parents. Many children with
special needs look normal, and many moms save more money by being there than
they would make outside the home. If you
have a job, don’t feel guilty, so that you must put down those who work at home
as if you chose correctly and they didn’t. They know you are trying to be there for your
kids too, and they are not pointing fingers at you. The celebration of the
complex differences in every person’s life should not end at “mom.” Unfounded guilt comes with the territory and
should be squelched as it pops up like whack-o-mole.
Mothers do it for the children. They’ll do almost anything, endure whatever
it takes for a hug from little arms, for small hands in theirs and Trust
looking up at them. “I love you” is
better than a raise, and watching your child learn, grow and succeed is an
ultimate thrill. Mothers love fiercely,
unselfishly, eternally with a love deeper than they knew possible. They also hurt deeper than ever before, but
they will tell you it’s worth every pain, every sacrifice. They nurture, love, and learn at least as
much as they teach…until they have to learn to let go. They have to step aside and let their children
fail, so they can make their own choices.
However, they still want to be there to help pick up the pieces, if only
to spend a bit more time with that person. A child’s broken heart is also felt by Mom,
even when a teen declares, “You couldn’t possibly understand!” From the “I love
you” of “Pick up your dirty socks!” to the “I love you” of “Goodbye—and call if
you need anything!” it only grows deeper.
Mothers don’t ever stop being who
they are, with hearts tied permanently to other hearts, thankful for the
Creator’s gift of life.
Mothers often won’t answer if asked, “How do you do it?” It’s
like asking, “How do you live? How do you breathe?” They’re busy doing it while
you ask, gladly and until life’s final dance.
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