Defining Motherhood: a guest post by Amanda

I have featured Amanda on my blog before, but clearly, I did the right thing by asking her to contribute again.  She is an incredible example to me in well...just about everything!  The recent unexpected loss of her youngest son has brought so many tears as I have witnessed her struggle and strength.  Her new blog Sunshine Promises documents her new journey as a Mother to three on earth and one in heaven.

Insanity is hereditary; you get it from your children. ~Sam Levenso

So, I've had one of those days. All Moms out there know what I mean. The kind of day where you wonder if ANYTHING that you are doing is making a difference. The kids are fighting, Hubby had a stressful day at work, no one likes dinner, your children act like they were raised in a barnyard (with the house acting as a living testament) and you wonder if your mind has completely atrophied after years of speaking toddler jibberish.

And that doesn't even touch on the really hard stuff.

Anyone been there?

In one way, I would say that a day such as this is SO not worthy of documentation let alone a tribute to Motherhood. And yet, such days are a testament of what it takes to be a mother. Indeed, Motherhood is not for sissies.

What other position is on shift 24-7, 365 days a year and requires one to be available at a moments notice to handle any and all concerns, tantrums, heartaches, joys or infirmities? And vacation days . . . vacation what? Yeah, there is no vacation. Who would read a job description such as that and sign up for the job?

Not I.

And yet, I did.

That said, despite the relentless rigors and demands of Motherhood, one cannot put into words the paydays that a Mother has. Whether its feeling your baby flutter within your womb, holding it close to your chest shortly after birth, seeing its first smile and gurgle or hearing him/her say "mommy" for the first time. No signing bonus, benefits or salaries can touch the worth of those to a Mother's Heart.

On days like today, I must remember the Big Picture and what I am striving to accomplish long term.

Anna Quindlen said it best: "If we stop to think about what we do, really do, we are building for centuries. We are building character, and tradition, and values, which meander like a river into the distance and out of our sight, but on and on and on."

I believe that. I believe that - despite my frustrations on days like today - I am involved in a most noble work. I am building human beings and carving out traditions and norms that will affect generations to come. What is more noble than that? Indeed, the way I can affect true change in the world and contribute to a brighter and more hopeful tomorrow is by the strides and efforts I make in my own Home.

My children are my greatest work. Each a Masterpiece. They are unique and come with talents, tendencies and gifts that can make the world a better place. It is MY job to teach them, guide them, support them and give them opportunities to develop, look outside themselves and give back to discover their own power and influence. And - as I do that - I will help them achieve what they were sent to do. Indeed, even change the world.

And so, as we Mighty Mothers wade through the good and the growing, we must realize that days like today DO happen. And they MUST. It is part of the the job description. But the paydays WILL come. They will. And someday (maybe soon), we will stand back in awe and thank Heaven that we were blessed to change the world. One child at a time.