Being a mom

I don't know of another job out there that is more physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually draining as being a mom. (ok maybe being a dad but we are not talking about them right now)  I don't think there is a job out there that can push you to your limits in every way and make you almost crazy and want to run away screaming for help yet make you fill more fulfilled, loved and needed as being a mom.
I have worked three jobs at one time while being 9 months pregnant and it still isn't as draining as being a mom. But from all those other jobs I have never had a little boy come up and give me a big hug and tell me he loves me soooooo much.
I've been having a hard time lately figuring out what I want to do. Do I want to work a little? Do I want stay home fulltime? Work full time? Go back to school? There are days that I would give anything to have a full time job and get the heck out of the house and away from my adorable children and then there are days where I'm so glad that I am able to stay home and be with them as they learn, play and grow.

I came across this poem on a website called Mana for moms and I think it’s very fitting.


Loving Jesus

I stared my day early,
Before the room was light.
I lifted my son from his crib
And wished it was still night.
But as I held him close and said,
“Hi, Kenneth, precious one,”
I knew that as I greeted him,
I greeted too, God’s son

 When my daughter woke up later,
Calling, “Mommy! Mommy! Down!”
I picked her up and hugged her
In her worn Elmo nightgown.
I know she felt the closeness
That a mother’s touch affords.
I welcomed not just ellie,
But so, too, the Lord of Lords.

 That day, I mixed some formula
And opened jars of peas,
I fixed “pizza butter” bread
When she grinned and said “Pleeeeeeeeeeease’”
I heated up some leftovers;
I had to nuke them twice.
And when I fed my children,
I was feeding Jesus Christ.

I made some funny faces,
And “played puzzles” on the floor.
I dressed kitties, ran around outside,
And played with them some more
We laughed and jumped and tickled,
Making memories to be stored.
When I spent time with my children,
I spent time with my Lord.

I wiped up sticky cereal
And washed the dishes clean.
I straightened, picked up, put away
And dusted in between.
I did six loads of laundry
And folded it like new
When I cleaned for my children,
I cleaned for my savior, too.

When my children were both crying,
I held them in my arms.
I cuddled them and whispered
That I’d keep them safe from harm.
I told them how their father saved them
With his prefect lamb.
When I comforted my children,
I comforted I AM.

Later on that evening
I put them in the bath.
I washed their little bodies
As they kicked around and splashed.
I dried them in soft towels
And put their jammies on.
When I washed my children’s feet,
I’d washed the Holy One.

I cooked and cleaned and rearranged,
Made beds and taught and played.
I made sure that we had food to eat
And that we often prayed.
I died to self. I made a home
From ordinary things
But when I served my children
I served the King of Kings.

To some, I have done nothing
But to two, I’ve done the world.
I made eternal difference
To my precious boy and girl
And to the one who watches over
Every pathway that I’ve trod.
For when I’ve loved my precious children,
I’ve loved Almighty God.

I know being a mom isn't for wimps! There are days where I feel I'm cut out for this job and others where I feel like I'm not even willing to put energy into myself let along three demanding children. Its a growing, learning and draining yet rewarding blessing that I have been given three times over. I just have to remember that God will not give me more than I can handle and he will give me just enough (and not an ounce more) of assistance to get through my day.