Why I don’t want a day off from Motherhood

In motherhood it’s easy to get so worn out and disillusioned in our roles as mothers that we often miss what is right in front of us. We are mothers and we have these precious gifts, let’s not lose sight of that.

By Contributing Writing, Rebekah

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and everyone is busy thinking of the perfect gift to get their mother, wife or grandmother, and  how they are going to spend their day in luxury.

I honestly haven’t given it much thought yet because I have been kind of  busy with well…umm…being a mother. Of course I want to do get something nice for my Mom and Mother-in- law and show them they are appreciated, but I don’t have huge expectations for myself this Mother’s Day.

My husband and kids will, I am sure get me something nice and write me some sweet cards which I will treasure forever.

I know a lot of moms are expecting big things. No cleaning, no cooking, no changing diapers, no referring sibling fights. In other words a day off from motherhood. Though a day off from doing these things sounds divine, when it comes down to it I don’t really want a day off from motherhood.

Don’t get me wrong,  I could totally use break from my kids and all the work  it takes to keep them alive  but…I love being a mother.

Yes, with all it’s crazy hours, demands, constant cleaning, cooking and non- stop cries of ‘Mom!’

You see, I think we can easily get so worn out and disillusioned in our roles as mothers that we often miss what is right in front of us.

We are mothers.

There are so many I know and am acquainted with that long for the days when they will be kept up all night with a fussy baby, will have to clean up constant toddler messes and have their tweens talk back to them.

They dream of seeing two purple lines, morning sickness and little butterfly movements.

For many this Mother’s Day will be painful and hard.

For some it will be a painful reminder of their infertility, the baby they lost through miscarriage that they never got to hold, or the sudden death or tragedy that took away their child.

I believe that God restores and heals and is the only one who can fill the voids in the lives of the motherless or those who have experienced tragic loss, but nonetheless it will by no means be free from heartache.

To the childless woman:

I want to say to you, give the mothers around you grace when you hear their complaints about motherhood. When you are in the midst of the trials of motherhood they can be just as real as the trials of infertility, though of course very different.

To the overwhelmed mother:

I want to say to you, don’t take your children for granted. Many would be more than willing to trade their day for your days of  stepping on legos, cleaning up spilled milk and cheerios, dealing with temper tantrums and being sleep deprived.

When we are with our children day in and day out, it can be easy to take them for granted, to feel restless and just plain ol’ tired. We do need breaks. We need time to ourselves to refresh, to take care of our bodies and minds. We need to have outlets. We need to have dates with our husbands and girl’s nights out.

This Mother’s day I may or may not do laundry, wash the dishes, sweep the floor, comfort crying children, soothe hurt feelings, be constantly called upon to give my attention or fulfill a need, but it’s okay.

Though I desperately need a break from my children and the demands of caring for them some days…I don’t want a day off from motherhood.

I thrive on being a mother.

I live for sweet toddler  ‘I wuv yous‘.

I treasure every kiss and snuggle.

I need to be needed.

I find the greatest joy in seeing my children experiencing a wonderful childhood.

I am learning to be more like Jesus as I  learn to die to myself in motherhood.

I hope that this Mother’s Day you are pampered by your loved ones and get the break that you deserve, but most of all I pray that you and I  really appreciate the greatest gift that we have been given…the gift of motherhood.

Do you get worn out in motherhood and long for a break?

Do you have big expectations for Mother’s Day?

Do you long to experience the demands of Motherhood?