A Mother’s Joy

(Here I am 39 weeks pregnant with my daughter, born in 2009.)

A very wise man once said, “A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come, but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.” I don’t know about you, but the moment both my kids were born was something I wish I could relive over and over. During both of my labors, both kids labored the same. It took so long to get to the pushing stage, but all of a sudden they were ready and flew out in one contraction! Having them deliver so quick, and both times having to hold pushing until a doctor could arrive, I feel like I remember those memories so clearly but the actual arrival of my precious babes seems like a blink of an eye. I long to be able to just see them greet the world again!

Motherhood is so much like giving birth. We all go through stages with our children where we think we are going to scream, swear, or cry in agony. We ask for help from friends and/or family, we read endless books, we long to try to work through all the kinks we are facing in parenthood. A couple months ago, Elisa wrote a beautiful piece, “Ebb and Flow of Parenting.” It’s just that. Good days, harder days. We do what we can, the best we can, molding them into people who will grow up and start the process with their families. Right now we don’t know what profession they’ll choose.  Will they play sports or be in a band?  Will they have 12 kids?

One day, we will all look at our grown-up children and will forget all the little fits and time-outs,  just like we gazed in the beauty of our precious babes being born, forgetting all the pain we just went through. Recently I was reminded to look past all those struggles I have some days with my 3 year-old and look deeper into who she is as a person. From the moment she was born, she has been an “I will do it!” kid. I find myself now seeing how that strong, independent nature will hopefully mature her into a young woman who uses that to do great things for others. I don’t rush her when she’s wanting to do it herself. If a mess happens, I don’t get angry or make shaming comments back. Granted, that doesn’t mean I don’t discipline her in some instances. But if it’s needed, I put aside all those negative emotions and remind myself to keep perspective and find joy in the ultimate plan for her life.

No woman ever said labor was easy. Nor have I ever heard that motherhood was easy. However, we are all working for a greater purpose, we just don’t see it yet. The labor right now may be long, but the birth will be breathtaking!

So, let us try to remember today’s struggles just may be tomorrow’s hero brewing. We all have little miracles just waiting to make marks in this world!