A Sorority Called Motherhood

This is written in tribute to the ordinary women who do extraordinary things in every day living as Mothers. There are millions of them who share this common bond.  They come in all shapes, sizes, age, race, religion, culture and personal history to name a few variants.  They enter a collective and distinct worldwide sorority known as Motherhood.  You could call it exclusive since a woman's heart has its own select joys and sorrows in raising a child.  She tries to do her best with the knowledge that she has throughout all the phases involved with motherhood.  It does not come with a set of instructions although there are many training manuals in "how to".  It is a direct hands-on experience requiring true grit, unwavering devotion, selflessness, a fierce love capable of holding on and a tough enough love to let go.  

A mother plays many roles, among them being a nurse, cook, counselor, teacher, chauffeur, cheer leader, administrator, protector, peace keeper, biographer, sports commentator and animal advocate.  She carries the torch of faith to pass on to her children so that they in turn can pass on to their own.  A perpetual Divine Light, which infuses into the progressive journey from child to adult where they write their own life's story.  2 Timothy 1:5  gives such an example where scripture says:   "I remember your true faith. That faith first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I know you now have that same faith".

Mothers learn the delicate balance of when to esteem and when to discipline; how to teach value without devaluing; to discern the good from the bad in areas of gray; set boundaries that limit but do not stifle; to champion success and alleviate failure; to nurture rather than coddle.   From babies to toddlers into childhood, teens and young adults, she is in constant watch over these ones who know her as Mother.

A life that was formed within a womb now becomes a life formed within the embrace of a mother's heart in the atmosphere of home.  Through the years there have been dirty bottoms to clean, tears to wipe away, struggles through illness, worries for safety, concern for right choices in an ever-changing world.  Her reward is a bright smile that lights up a room, arms that reach out to hug, words of  'I Love You' and a connection that only can be experienced between mother and child.

I have been blessed with two wonderful daughters.  They are the sunshine which breaks through cloudy days and a rainbow in life's storms.  I am continually thankful for these ones who were entrusted in my care and feel privileged to be their Mom.  Years have passed by and I've watched them grow into fine women who make a difference in the world around them.  I will always be a Mom who is a part of them as they are with me.  It is eternal and reaches beyond the confines of this life as we know it.

As older mothers, we can all look back and wish we could have done it better in some respects.  But children have a way of surviving our mistakes and hopefully cover them with forgiveness and are wiser in raising their own children.  As I mentioned before, motherhood does not come with a book of instructions, it is a life learning experience, which teaches unconditional love.  As it is with snowflakes, so it is with mothers.  As each snowflake is individual and unique, so is each woman's experience in the dynamics of motherhood.

Children often have surrogate mothers integrated into their lives.  I look back into my own childhood and see not only a mother's heart, but that of a loving grandmother and a special aunt who helped me feel safe through childhood insecurities.   They gave me gifts of themselves which were poured out to me, among them being their love and caring.  They were there for me when I needed them and made a difference in my young world.

This is a beautiful video, which amplifies my thoughts on motherhood.  Created by Lina Cardenas, "A Tribute to Mom" - Song, "One Heartbeat at a Time"  by Stephen Curtis Chapman.
You can also view at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgG7YlY-IF0

Give her the rewards she has earned and let her works

bring her praise at the city gate.  Proverbs 31:31

     
In conclusion, the following poem could really fit the heart of a grandmother since we have personally grown inwardly throughout the years as women and mothers.  As a 'Nana', I find myself doing these very same suggestions....

If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again

by Diane Loomans

If I had my child to raise all over again,

I’d finger-paint more, and point the fingers less.

I would do less correcting and more connecting.

I’d take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.

I would care to know less and know to care more.

I’d take more hikes and fly more kites.

I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play.

I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.

I’d do more hugging and less tugging.

I’d build self-esteem first, and the house later.

I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.

I’d teach less about the love of power,

And more about the power of love.

Come!  Join me next Monday at the Turn-Up Patch.  * A Note to Dads... You will get your turn in June....