Works 4 Me Wednesday: My Take on Mother's Day

Mother's Day has really become a day I treasure. There was a moment in my life when I didn't think I would be a mother. I battled with some infertility issues (and am still battling with some of these issues) and conceiving a baby of my own was a difficult process. Hannah arrived after much struggle (in more ways than one), but what a blessing to my heart when God loaned her to me. And then Jonah... well, let's just say his appearance was surprising and the complete opposite of our dear Hannah. And to our baby in Heaven, I long to hold you one day. Until then, my sweetheart, may you rest in God's arms.

Being a mother has turned out to be so different than the original notions I had in my mind. It has been more wonderful, more responsibility, more life changing, more frustrating, more educational, more heart-changing, and more defining than any other event in my life. It has caused me to look at life in an entirely new way. Priorities have changed, bed times have changed, sheets have been changed (so many more times than I ever thought sheets should be), and hearts have been changed during these past few years. My perspective has also changed.

Things that I once thought were important are no longer, or at least they are quite less important. And this Mother's Day I am looking forward to embracing those things that are important to me:

1) Thankfulness and praise to God for allowing me to be a mother

God heard my cries to him to allow me the opportunity to become a mother. He blessed me with this joy. To him I give all thanks and glory for this title of Mommy. He is very clearly in control of this life, and I am very clearly not.

2) Time spent with my family, especially my children

I don't want to run from house to house like other holidays. I don't want to run errands, clean, run laundry, make meal plans, or cut coupons. I simply want to savor the moments of time together as a family. I want to snuggle and enjoy sweet hugs and kisses. I want to simply enjoy a day together without distraction.That's rare.

3) Thanking my Mommy(s)

I want to spend time with my own mother and my mother in law. Both have taught me lessons on life that I could never have learned elsewhere.  I want to celebrate these lessons, their love, patience, and their involvement in the lives of my children and my own.

4) Something Tangible

There are a few days out of the year when I take time to write a note to my children. Hannah and Jonah both have a small notebook containing letters from me to them. I started a book for each when they were in the womb. I described things I was feeling both physically, mentally, and emotionally. Some pages contain specia memories. Some pages contain life lessons. On Mother's Day I record my hopes and dreams for them. I record my love for them and remind them of how blessed I am to be their mommy.

5) Leaving a Legacy

In my day on Sunday I desire for some reflective time. Some time to ponder what my role as a mother means. What legacy and impact will I have on my children's lives? What legacy and impact does Christ call me to have? Am I strong? Am I virtuos? Am I diligent?

Who can find a virtuous woman? She is far more precious than jewels...
Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle.
Her sons rise up and call her blessed.
He husband also praises her:
Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.
~Proverbs 31:10, 25-30

What's your take on Mother's Day? I'd love to know!