If I Hadn't Had Children

"If I hadn't had children, I probably would have more money and material things.

I probably would have gone more places, gotten more sleep, and pampered myself more.

My life would have been much more boring and predictable.

As a result of being a parent, I have laughed harder

and cried more often.

I have worried more and hurried more.

I've had less sleep but somehow I've had more fun.

I've learned more and grown more.

My heart has ached harder, and I've loved to a capacity beyond my imagination.

I've given more of myself, but I've derived more meaning from life."

~Reader's Digest~

Someone sent me the above quote ten years ago, when I had a one-year-old and a three-year-old. Today I find it taped inside the cover of the Mom's Devotional Bible that I keep in the car, for those times when I'm sitting outside of music lessons or sports practices. It is in those moments of pause in the midst of hurrying, herding, and all that goes into a day of mothering that I love to read these words and remind myself of all I might've missed if I had not had these kids. My lanky 11 year old woke up this morning and came downstairs, whispered "Happy Mother's Day" to me, and folded himself all up to fit on my lap. My husband took my daughter to work at the church this morning at 7:00, and they let me sleep in, so I'll see her later. Last night, she hugged me tight, kissed my face and said, "Happy Mother's Day tommorow, Mom. I love you." I can't wait to see her when she gets home in a little while... Today they are giving me gifts, but don't they see? They are the gifts! Thank you, Lord, for this gift called "Motherhood."

Happy Mother's Day to my mom, who modeled godly motherhood for me as I grew up. It was your mothering that fueled my desire to have kids of my own.

Happy Mother's Day to my mother-in-law, who raised the man who loves me more than any other man on earth could love me. It was your mothering that made him so tender towards me, and towards our children.

Happy Mother's Day to my Grandmother, who has spoken so much wisdom into my own mothering. You continue to model for me the kind of mother and grandmother (and great-grandmother!) I want to be.

Happy Mother's Day to my sisters-in-law. I am in awe of each one of you. You have no idea how I'm inspired by the relationships you have with my precious nieces and nephews. Even though I'm older than all of you, I want to be like you when I grow up!

Happy Mother's Day to all of my fellow "Mom-sistas" - in my life and in blogland. Thank you for the ways your words and examples encourage me to be a better mom and to embrace this season of my life. May today be a blessed one in your homes!