Thursday, May 5, 2011

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.

7 comments:

Susan Anderson said...

A post that rings with truth.

And I do love that last line especially...

Changing the world, one child at a time.

Perfect.

=)

Anonymous said...

Beautifully said! Thanks Amanda for the encouragement in hanging in there! Love your blog too! :)

Michelle said...

Thanks Amanda, I needed this post. Sometimes I look at all the other moms and think, "they have it so together, what is wrong with me?" It is good to hear that days like that are just part of the job description :) and it is good to remember the bigger picture.

I was at a professional dinner the other night and someone said (talking about visiting a family with small children), "I couldn't believe it, their whole world revolved around their kids!" and it was said in a negative tone. And after the initial urge to be defensive, I said "well, where else do you get such a great reward?" Yes, maybe my life does revolve around my kids--but what other job is going to have such great impact? What other job requires so much selflessness? What other job could be as rewarding overall? Anyways, your post says it better. Love it. Thank you!

doovie79 said...

Thanks for reminding us why we "signed up" for this, Mandy! Beautifully put.
Love Jenny B.

Anonymous said...

this is a great reminder. I have been really stressed out lately and up to me ears in kid drama and this really put my role in perspective. thanks!

Mary Seals said...

We ARE Mighty Mothers! and your post is a perfect reminder that all of these little things we do each day add up to something amazing in the end. Thank you!

Diamond in the Rough said...

Very well put! Mother's have such a divine roll in raising and rearing our children and often times we are over looked or under appreciated. Some days are crazy and others smooth sailing, but I feel it's all worth it Mothers are the BEST :)!!

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