Pregnancy brings such joy and anticipation. We can't wait to meet and know these little bundles of joy. We can't wait to hold them in our arms. Although once they are born, there are fleeting moments when we wish that we didn't have to hold them all of the time. Moments when we remember how easy it was when they were in are tummy and we were able to use both arms at the same time. But their angelic smiles make us want to hold and love them as much as possible.
After they arrive, there are diapers, bottles and burps. Cuddling, coo's and hugs. Then we welcome the toddler stage when they now have the ability to run and now you have to run after them. Next their verbal skills begin to emerge. Then they are talking so much that there are those reoccurring fleeting moments when you wish for quiet time. Yet everything they do still makes you love them even more.
The school years just fly by. Sports, music, scouting, church camps, VBS. Oh, and yes, there is school and family life. It is a wonderful and busy time. Then they begin to talk more to their friends and driving allows them the freedom of more choices. They begin to move a little further from the nest but your love for them continues to grow.
As the teen years end, they have a wealth of accomplishments. They blossom into happy, healthy and wonderful young adults. Mother's Day still is wonderful in a different way.
I am not sure if we ever expect all of the emotions that can arise as a mother, let alone the great range of emotions our children can share with us. Together we have good days and not such good ones. We meet challenges and welcome successes. We all grow in God's grace. Amen, for God's grace!
For Mother's Day 2014, I wish all mothers a little alone time during the toddler years. Those years are hectic and exhausting years. I wish mothers extra energy during the school years. There are so many things for your children to experience and it is a blast to experience them with them. I wish you peace during the empty nesting time.
Mother's Day is a time to be grateful for one of God's greatest gifts, CHILDREN!