Motherhood is the best job I have ever had. It is a gift without measure.
Honestly, I didn’t see it coming. I had no idea that motherhood was going to be the role that I was most proud of – the one that I would be most invested in. The thing I would show up for day after day, and night after night. I didn’t know how much on the job training would be required and how many ways I’d fail and just how many ways I would succeed.
I didn’t know I could care so much and put in unlimited extra hours no charge. I didn’t know the frustrations, the joys, and the memories that motherhood would give me. I didn’t know that my years of schooling and my college degree would be put toward use carting around toddlers, doing mental math in the grocery store, and explaining how things work to curious minds. I didn’t know I would be living the great dichotomy of motherhood – simultaneously praying for bedtime while also praying time would slow down.
I had no idea then, but I am overflowing with gratefulness now. I’ve been stretched & sharpened called to a greater purpose – one that forces me to look outside myself to my Creator for strength, help, wisdom. One that pulls me out of the world of “me” & “my” and reframes it to “us” and “them”. Nothing – not even marriage – has pushed me to greater lengths to follow the greatest commandment. I haven’t had to sacrifice this much ever before.
And it has been worth it all.
Did you know that there were some years early on in our marriage that we didn’t know if we would have children? Part of that was definitely the Lord’s timing and his direction and provision in our lives, but there was also another part that was heavily influenced by the world.
I heard that having children would change my life but not necessarily in ways that were good. I believed, without saying out loud, that children would keep me from my career, my marriage, and even my ministry. That having children would remove the fun and purpose from my life.
It’s one of Satan’s biggest lies to discourage and demean motherhood and convince women their lives would be better without arms full of children. The abortion industry thrives off these talking points and, whether or not you agree with abortion, these lies and messages can get into your heart just the same. Putting a darkness over such a big light.
Children are a gift. Motherhood isn’t easy but it is sanctifying and it is joyful.
It’s May again: my birthday, Mother’s Day, and the Walk for Life. All things that stir up a heart-to heart on motherhood. My first Walk for Life was in 2012 when I started working at Life Network. And now, even though I stopped working there in 2016, I’m still passionate about what they do in our city and I am involved as much as I can!
There is a lot going on politically in regards to abortion and many states are taking different stances in that arena, but in all cases, there are many women who are looking for direction and help in a hard and confusing time. Life Network, spread out over multiple locations, is able to be open arms. They educate on the reality of abortion as well as adoption and parenting – injecting hope into what feels like a hopeless situation for so many of these mothers (and fathers). They provide free pregnancy ultrasounds which dramatically impact a mother’s choice to choose life as well as free pregnancy testing, STD testing & treatment, community and medical referrals, Abortion Pill Reversal treatment, emergency material needs, parenting education & classes, mentoring, clinical counseling, and so much more.
Life Network remains a faithful stronghold in our city of light & hope – year after year, no matter what legislation may pass in Colorado or in our country. If you don’t personally know the work that is going on at Life Network, I encourage you to read their website, look at all of the free services they offer, see how much they care, talk with staff and volunteers, and pray for the work they are doing. It is Kingdom work!
Every year I raise money for the Walk for Life with Life Network, every year my goal is at least $1,000, and every year you guys help me meet it! Would you join me in raising money for Life Network so that they can continue providing FREE and life-changing services to our community?
CLICK HERE to give: https://page.fundeasy.com/6720691
I’d forever be grateful for your partnership in this worthwhile & eternal cause!
If you want to see my motherhood novels from previous years, click here: 2023 + 2022 + 2021
PS: I’ve been playing with double exposure photography 😉
