I couldn't have asked for a more perfect Mother's Day! My heart was bursting at the seams all weekend - I'm really not sure how it didn't explode. I'm so incredibly grateful for God's faithfulness in my life.. so here's the sappy "Mother's Day" post.. take it or leave it. ;)
To the mom who gave me the best childhood a little girl could ever ask for, who wiped my tears and was my biggest fan, who spent money I know she didn't have just so I could pursue my dreams. To the mom I missed so much while I was in elementary school that I would write her name next to mine on every assignment, the one who danced with me in the kitchen, who would go to HyVee with the makeup and hairstyle I gave her. The one who I wanted to be with all the time -- whether it was grocery shopping or gardening or going to garage sales or watching a movie. To the mom who I see every day when I look in the mirror and whose voice and silly antics that I thought were crazy at the time come out of my mouth every day. For the many, many missed moments during a time in my life where I needed my mom so much.. I grieve. But for the lesson of remaining faithful to God even when prayers aren't answered overnight, that forgiveness is the key to really being freed, and that no matter how hopeless a situation may seem - God can restore relationships - I praise God over and over again. Happy Mother's Day to the mama who made me the mama I am today!
To the mom who raised the man who is my very best friend - you did a phenomenal job. The mom who loved me since I was SIXTEEN (yes, even in the midst of being an overdramatic teenager), who always listens and never judges me, the mom who completes project after project for us without complaining, who would do anything for anyone, and who loves her children so very much - Happy Mother's Day!
To the little boy who made me a mama - WOW! The boy who expanded my heart and opened my eyes to a whole new wonderful world. The boy who mesmerized me from the first moment I held him, who changed my life in the most miraculous way, and who continues to mold me every day. You left me feeling completely clueless and scared to death all while feeling completely in love - basically an emotional mess! The boy who made me realize I had far less patience than I was certain I had, who taught me that a person really can survive off literally zero sleep, and who reminds me to slow down and appreciate God's marvelous creations (including earth worms). Your curiosity, imagination, and desire to learn all there is to know about everything makes life SO much fun! Your sense of humor and clever schemes fill our days with laughter, but your heart for Jesus is what really really pulls at my heart strings. You've taught me how fast time moves and how fleeting these moments really are and you've definitely taught me that children spell love T-I-M-E.
And to the sweet baby girl who has captured a part of my heart I wasn't sure I'd have left to give away - you are the most beautiful little girl I've ever held in my arms. Thank you for inspiring me to be a better mama, friend, and person - knowing that someday you will look in a mirror and see me is overwhelming in the most wonderful way. I pray that when you see me in that reflection, you know just how loved you are. More importantly, I pray you always know that you are a daughter of Christ and no matter what the world tries to tell you - you are a treasure. Before you were even born, you helped me discover a strength I never imagined I would have. You've taught me that there are actually babies who sleep (I was pretty convinced that was a myth) and that smiles can literally melt a person's heart. I'm basically speechless - I just love you THAT much. I can't remember life before you, but I know that it is richer because of you.
Motherhood is my ministry - Every day i wake up knowing I am called to raise these little blessings to know and follow Jesus. I am called to love them, to teach them, to protect them and to watch them spread their wings - but every day they teach me to love, they motivate me to keep learning, and they often leave me speechless. I may be tired, I may be scared, I may be constantly feeling like I'm failing - but my love for them is endless and in the grand scheme of things, that's really all their little hearts demand.
