Happy Mother's Day! I had a wonderful day with my family yesterday. This is a day I look forward to each year. My children are excited to celebrate with me and their anticipation makes it even more exciting.
Because I look forward to this day each year I was surprised with a conversation I had a couple of years ago with my sister just before Mother's Day. She had been talking to several of her friends and found out that many of them hated Mother's Day. They either felt inadequate when they heard other stories of wonderful Mother's or they felt that they should be treated like a queen that day and never felt the extra appreciation that they wanted. I could see how a Mother could choose to feel this way and I made a promise to myself that no matter what happened on Mother's Day, I would find joy in being a mother!
That year on Mother's Day my children came in with their usual "breakfast in bed" that they give me every year. One of them had drawn a picture of a flower and Happy Mother's Day written on it. Then they poured me a huge glass of water, a bowl filled to the brim with applesauce, and a piece of toast. Everything is carefully arranged on a big cutting board. It is so sweet and fun to watch their reaction to my reaction of their "surprise". Usually after this my husband would get up and make us a yummy hot breakfast but this morning he was still lying in bed with a pillow over his head. I got up and started getting ready for church but my husband still didn't stir much. Finally I went over and asked him if he was feeling alright. He said he had a major headache that was becoming a migraine.
My first reaction to this knowledge was, "Oh man. Now I have to make breakfast?" But then I stopped myself and remembered the promise I had made about finding joy in motherhood. I realized at this moment my family really needed me and this is why I am a mother! I jumped into action and whipped up a nice hot breakfast and started getting my kids ready for church (it starte at 9am). My husband was still not feeling well when it was time to go so I told him to join us later if he could. Going to church on Mother's Day is also one of my favorite things so I wasn't going to let anything deter me even if I did have to take five children by myself.
We arrived at church a little late (since I didn't realize my husband was I'll and still did a nice breakfast) and when I stepped in the chapel the only row left was the very front! Well, I took a deep breath and led my little crew to the front row. I sat down and prepared myself for the craziness of containing my little ones on the seat and listening to the messages. I was pleasantly surprised! My baby slept through the whole meeting in his carseat and my other children actually sat and played quietly instead if trying to run off and try to speak into the microphone on the stand. I don't remember the exact words that were said but I remember feeling happy, joyful, and touched by the messages shared that day and so glad I had made the effort to come. My husband's headache did eventually go away and he joined me in Sunday School and the rest of the day went great! I am so glad I made that promise to myself and changed a potentially disappointing day into a wonderful day.
I want to express gratitude for all the women in my life and in my children's life who help teach us and lead us down the road of happiness! Being a mother is one of the most wonderful things I have chosen to become but it is also one of the hardest things I have chosen to do and I couldn't do it by myself. I am especially grateful to my own mother and the example of selfless service she has set for me and everything she continues to do for me and my family. I am also grateful for my mother-in-law for raising a wonderful man to be my husband and father to our children, and the continuing love and support she also gives us.
Happy Mother's Day!
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