Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Life In The Motherhood

"You sure you're ready to start over?"

"I just can't imagine going back...to the baby stage, to diapers, to bottles, etc. You're ready to go back??"

That question has swung my way many, many times over the past month or so.

And my answer? I sure am...or at least I think I am. But even if I wasn't, God would prepare me for it just like He prepares us for every other stage of child rearing that us mom's face...whether we're ready or not :).

I get why people ask those questions though. And I would imagine that every mom gets why people ask those questions, because every mom gets how hard her job is. Especially when you have a newborn, and you're a week postpartum, and you haven't showered or brushed your teeth, and the baby is crying while your other kids are fighting over who is mommy's biggest helper.

(I kinda see that scenario playing out in my near future. Send chocolate. And Diet Coke over crushed ice.)

There is never a part of me though that views adding more kiddos to our family as "going back" to anything, I feel like we're only moving forward with God's plan for our family.

Does changing diapers, filling sippy cups, wiping noses, cleaning up crumbs off the floor, and folding load after load of laundry always feel glamorous? Not really. And would I love to have a full conversation at the park without having to tell my children to stop eating the mulch? Sure. But that's not my life right now...


Life is crazy, unpredictable, messy, loud, but oh so sweet...


I will admit that I have my days when this mom gig feels mundane and redundant. And I have so many moments where I feel like I am not making a difference in their little lives at all - that I am literally failing at this calling that God has laid out before me. But we all have to keep in mind that every mom feels that way sometimes, and I know deep in my heart that being called to motherhood is a far, far cry from a life that is mundane or redundant.

It's actually more like a roller coaster...with only tall hills and loops...and you just keep going up the tall hill anticipating the other side, and then after the rush of going down the hill it throws you for another loop. Yea, it's kinda like that.

Right now, to a great extent, motherhood is my ministry. It's how I serve, and I really believe that being a mommy is a very self sacrificial service. It's not a calling that is full of free time or fancy things, but it is a calling that involves investing and molding a child's life, and that's far more important than any "me time" or hobby that I could have. Being a mom means having a full plate, no matter what season you're in.

That busy, time consuming, full plate is such a gift...a true picture of God's love and grace in this mom's life.

I don't always do this mom thing with a joyful heart or full confidence, but I'm a work in progress, and I know that God will continue the work He started in me. At least that's what I cling to.

Whether you're in the baby stage, or the preschool pick up line stage, or the "why on earth are they teaching fractions in 1st grade" stage, it's always a moving forward with God's plan of motherhood stage. And that's a good place to be.

So today, and tonight, and the next day, and the following years after that, I will continue on this crazy road of mothering. The hardest, but by far the most rewarding road I've been on to date.

Speaking of serving via motherhood, I have 2 diapers to change as we speak.

Looks like my "ministry" is calling :)...

19 comments:

melissa said...

Girl, your going to rock this! Look at you! 5 babies down, one more to go! You will be changing diapers in your sleep! Your a pro! :)

Hannah D said...

I needed this today. Thank you!

*Katy* said...

I can't WAIT to start this stage :)


(ok, so maybe I can hold off on the dirty diapers though!)

Laura said...

Thanks for this post! I surely get asked this question and I agree that God prepares us even if we aren't ready!
Thinking and praying for you in these next fun and exciting months!

Unknown said...
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Carrie said...

This was beautifully said.

Anonymous said...

You are totally embracing motherhood right now. It looks great on you!! :)

Jeni said...

Great post! I enjoyed it. You will do great. You are a great Mom!!

Sarah said...

so encouraging! thanks for sharing your heart! and totally off subject, Lauren has the same sweet Target shirt that your little one has on in the pictures! I got to go to a Target this past weekend, SO EXCITING! closest one is 1 1/2 hours away... GASP! I KNOW! :) :)

Faith and Mark said...

I happened upon this post today and loved it. We are presently waiting for our forth baby, and our youngest is 4. We get asked all the time why we would want to start over again. I may refer them to this post now because you said it perfectly.
Thank-you.

jenny said...

Beautifully written! The ministry of motherhood really is one of the most gracious gifts the Lord gives to us as women. So excited you get to experience that gift again with your sweet little boy coming soon!

becky said...

Kate, you are such an amazing mom! I know that your journey through motherhood is about to become even more fulfilling. If anyone can handle a 6 kids 6 and under, it's you! Love this post and love your attitude about mothering.

Rana said...

Great post Kate! Those girls and soon to be new boy are so fortunate to have you. Your right the "Mom Gig" is one of the toughest jobs out there, and just from seeing how you care for and love your kids it's worth every crazy minute of it.

Thoughts for the day said...

You will do just fine and really it is such a short time in your life the first five years well actually the first three are the hardest. Mostly because you are sleep deprived and so tired. Enjoy them while they are little and still under your roof and control, the day will come when your influence is in their heart as they leave high school and enter college as 'adults'. That is when you look back and say, it was all worth it. From a grandma of six who has a son 36 and a daughter 33. You are in a wonderful time of your life, just keep praying and God will give you the strength you will need.

Amanda said...

A humbling and sweet post.

I needed this today.

Shannon said...

"And would I love to have a full conversation at the park without having to tell my children to stop eating the mulch?" This line made me burst into laughter so loud the kids actually stopped fighting for an second to see what was going on. :)

Anonymous said...

Oh gosh. This is exactly what I have been feeling. Great post. Can't wait to meet your little guy!

doreen said...

What a special writer you are too...
My husband is #7; with 6 older sisters and a younger brother.

Laurel said...

Love it!

Great post!

I've been doin' this mom thing for 26 years, and couldn't have asked for a better career.


Laurel