Mama, Mama!

Oh how I love to hear that sweet little voice say my name, Mama, Mama! I have to admit, I don't really remember my very first Mother's Day- things are pretty much a blur for the better part of Eileigh's first year. Thankfully, we have moved on from that time and I truly enjoy the many, many aspects of being a Mom, and Eileigh's Mama in particular.
God has used every experience, sacrifice and challenge of motherhood to change me, shape me, mold me into being more of the woman that He desires me to be. I know that I would never have willingly gone through some of the trials and difficulties that motherhood has brought had it not been for the fact that no longer is it all about me- it's about this precious life God has given to me and blessed me with. Yes, motherhood does bring rewards- rewards such as the smile of my child, her gleeful laughter, the way she snuggles against my shoulder and the times when only Mama can make it better. But it also brings suffering at various levels, which I am realizing is a blessing in its own right and also carries rewards of a greater depth: Humility- knowledge that I can't do this in my own strength; Awe- that God has found me capable to entrust this child to me; Self-sacrifice- my life is permanently altered, forever changed, and it is in not demanding my own way that I find contentment with my role as mother; Wisdom and Understanding- that I must seek God for His wisdom in training this independent little girl to grow up in loving obedience to Him; Fulfillment- I am being who God has called me to be, at this time and at this place, for this reason. By no means is it easy, but it is so sweet to know I am in the center of God's Will when I walk in obedience to Him.
What a precious, precious gift I have been given and I am so humbly thankful for. I am in awe at every woman who willingly accepts this task, rolls up her sleeves and serves with her whole heart- what an incredible blessing and example you are to me. I give honor to my Mom today, who has blessed me so deeply by loving my sisters and I as though we are her special gifts from God. I also give honor to my Mother-in-law, who raised her son to grow into the incredible blessing of a man he is to me today.
To every Mother, Happy Mother's Day.