We’re 12 years into this motherhood thing, and this is not what I thought it would look like when I dreamed of being a mom. There are so many things that no one tells you about motherhood, so many moments that you wouldn’t have believed could happen even if someone had told you.
I didn’t know motherhood would include so many tears, so many moments of laughter, so many days of exhaustion, so many situations where I don’t know what to do. I didn’t know motherhood would be the best job in the world – and the worst. I didn’t know there would be days when I felt as if I was on top of the mountain – followed by days in the lowest valley.
This motherhood thing is a busy, crazy, fun, and overwhelming task. As I raise my two girls, I’m constantly wondering if I’m doing it right. I’m forever asking myself if there’s a better way to do things. And I often question my own sanity.
But this motherhood thing, this amazing, frustrating, joy- and tear-filled job I’ve taken on is my calling. God didn’t place those precious babies in my arms because He needed someplace to put them. He placed those pink-cheeked little girls in my arms because they are my calling. No matter what else I do in my life – no matter the job, the ministry, or the hobby – those girls will always be my primary calling.
Because this motherhood thing isn’t just something that we do because that’s what everyone else is doing. This motherhood thing is something that we do because God called us to be the shepherds of these precious hearts and souls. He called us to be the ones to mold their hearts, teach their minds, and love them unconditionally. He entrusted us with the calling to lead them to Him.
On the days when being a mom is hard – the days when you want to pull your hair out in frustration, the days when all you want is five minutes of peace – remember this: God chose you. He chose you because He knew you would be the best mom for this child. He chose you because He knew that you would have the right mix of patience, perseverance and love to see this child through the rough patches. He chose you because He knew that He could provide all the strength and wisdom you would need to raise this particular child.
This motherhood thing is the hardest, most rewarding job you’re ever going to have. Some days, it’s going to take everything you have just to put one foot in front of the other to get to the end of the day. Some days, it’s going to leave you laughing so hard tears are running down your face. Some days, it’s just going to leave you in tears. But through it all – through the joy and the trials – remember that God chose you to be this child’s mom. He chose you. And He doesn’t make mistakes.
Lori Fairchild is the mom of two girls, ages 10 and 12. She writes the blog Everyday Truth, which gives parents practical ways to teach their kids about God even in the midst of their busy lives. You can find Everyday Truth on Facebook and Pinterest. When she’s not watching her girls play soccer and hockey, she speaks regularly to moms’ groups about being intentional in raising our kids to know God. She has also written the e-book “Everyday Christmas: Helping your kids find Jesus in the everyday moments of the season.”
Yes, this motherhood thing is the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. Thanks for this post.