Dear Reader,
I have long thought that motherhood is one of the most sanctifying things we can go through. Not that motherhood in itself makes one holy, but for God’s people it acts as a refining fire, purging us of our self-centeredness. From the outset, one has to cede control of one’s own body. And then there is the loss of sleep, the not being able to do what you want when you want.
Too often in our society, we try to fight all this. I don’t think a mother need give up her own personhood. I don’t think all her dreams should be wrapped up in her children. But too often we focus on having “me” time. And we bemoan what we are losing rather than looking at what we may be gaining–patience, a focus on someone other than ourselves, a greater humility about our appearances, an ability to do what we have to do (think dirty diapers) even when it is not what we want to do. And perhaps above all, a greater understanding of what it means to love someone who is imperfect, as our Father loves us.
As my children get older, a lot of the things I have been forced to do are no longer so pressing. But I think it is important to remember the lessons learned and not to revert to a place where it is all about me again.
Nebby
