Ever since I was little I knew I wanted to be a mommy. It's a little scarier once it comes though. Being a mom came pretty naturally to me, but there were other things that were harder. I had a hard time adjusting to no sleep. I had a hard time adjusting to not having my own time anymore. I had a hard time adjusting to the fact that as a mom you have to give up a lot of stuff. You have to make sacrifices. Growing up I didn't think much of the sacrifices my mom made to make us kids happy. That's what mom's are for right? I've learned a little since then. I have tried to adjust my attitude to be more like my mom's. I never heard her complain when she gave up her afternoons pretending to be a stranger helping some runaway child (me). Or later on when she gave up her evenings to read me sparknotes while I worked on an art assignment. I never heard her complain about getting up early so she could have breakfast on the table before we went to school. We almost always had dinner together as a family. My mom has been a mom (as of today) for 13,201 days. Me, a measly 659.
I love the following quote because it reminds me that it's not really as hard as I sometimes think it is.
"As we give, we find that 'sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven' and in the end, we learn that it was no sacrifice at all." -Spencer W. Kimball
My mom is a great example of living her life in accordance with this quote. Every time I talk to her and express my frustration at not having time to do something I want to do she reminds me of this principle. Really, in the long run, our children bring us more joy than any hobby or craft. In saying that, I know how important it is to still take time for yourself. You still need to be able to be you and do things you enjoy. I think one of life's challenges for a mom is finding balance.
“Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.”
-Rachel Jankovic (quoted by Elder Andersen in Oct '11 conference)
I made the choice to be a mom. I knew it wouldn't be easy. I have to remind myself of this quite often. So when I'm having days like this-
So here's to being a better, happier mom. And here's to the mothers in my life, especially the one who gave me birth, who taught me by example that motherhood is one of the best blessings there is.
2 comments:
One of the major "mom" moments that has always stood out in my mind is an afternoon at your house. Your mom was sitting at the sewing machine so I'm sure things were a bit crazy and you came in needing her to play and she stopped and got down on the kitchen carpet and played with you. I knew then that I wanted to be a mom like that and I think of that moment a lot. And I say "No!" and "Later!" all the time so I'm not doing such a good job with that, but I'm recommitting myself this summer to say yes more and do things now instead of always later! You were a cool aunt so I'm sure you are an awesome mom! And how fun to have one of each. I'm sure you'll notice some big differences! Of course, I wouldn't know about that! =)
That could have been a sacrament talk! :) Very well put, and thanks for the quotes. It's so true... I wish I knew of the sacrifices my mom was making when I was younger cause now that I'm making those sacrifices I see what I took for granted... Your mom is a great example too, and is so good to remind you that in the end it's not a sacrifice at all! We need to do a cousin lunch!
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