You think you know what love is and you then you become a mother. Suddenly it’s an emotion that has more profound meaning and impact to you. Your child introduces you to parts of you, you never knew existed.
When you become a new Mom, you do not have time to take a crash course on taking care of another human being. As much as you mentally prepare by reading the articles, researching and heeding the advice of other experienced mothers, you are just never fully prepared of the whirlwind that awaits you once your baby arrives. That however is the beauty of it all, you learn so much about your baby while they are simultaneously learning more about you.
Having my own child gave me a deeper appreciation for my Mother. I recall how I would be frustrated at my Mother whenever she would do things for my brothers even at their age now. I would always say they were old enough to do it themselves and it was not her job. She would always tell me that a Mother’s job is never done, you never stop being a Mother to your kids. She would always say that I would only understand once I had children of my own. I understand now Ma, I really do.
They say a Mother’s love is the closest love you experience next to God’s. I could not agree more. A love so profound, so unconditional and so scary at times. The kind of love that gives you the courage to do anything and everything to protect your child. I think describing it as the closest thing to God’s love is so fitting because much like God’s love it’s a love that is in constant pursuit of us. We have all experienced that our Mothers are forever pursuing us, no matter the number of times we disappoint or hurt them, they will continue to be there, continue to see past our flaws and love us anyway.
I am so blessed to have been given the opportunity to experience a love so pure. I knew from the moment I saw my son for the first time that there was nothing in the world I would not do for him. There was nothing that would ever stop me from loving him. However, I also felt so vulnerable, knowing that the only way anyone could truly hurt me is through my son. That is the beauty of motherhood you are not expected to have it all together. You could be struggling to keep it together but to your child you are the whole world and that to me triumphs any achievement I could have ever accomplished in life.
As I look back on the time spent with my son, I am so grateful for all the little moments we spent together. For every dirty diaper, every meal, every nursery rhyme, every prayer, every story read, and every kiss, hug and cuddle. My life has been completely altered by the impact of my son; I will never be the same. I always felt I had so much to teach him, never did I expect that he would be the one that would leave me with so many lessons.
I honour all the beautiful mothers who have the highest calling of all. You are the real heroes. I pray that you never get annoyed by sitting through the mundane things your child asks you to do, read them one more story, watch them jump over something again, let them follow you everywhere and invade your personal space. One day these will all be memories you wish you could relive; Lord knows I do.
I leave you today with a quote I stumbled upon which I think perfectly sums it up “Motherhood is a million little moments that God weaves together with grace, redemption, laughter, tears and, most of all, love.” Lysa TerKeurst.
