I love being a mom because…
1. I joined a secret club no one ever told me about
As soon as I became pregnant with Elias, I was initiated into a secret “mom” club. In this club, I learned about three things: ladies, logistics and baby lingo.
Ladies:
First, I learned about the ladies- the “moms.” I don’t know if it is because having a baby is one of the hardest things a woman can do, but for some reason there is this instant connection among women who have had babies.
Part of being in this club is suddenly being allowed to talk to complete strangers about pregnancy, childbirth, and babies. Whenever I am in a checkout line, without fail, the cashier (if they are a mom) will look at Elias and ask how old he is. I answer “8 months” and every time they say “I remember when my baby was that small…enjoy him…they grow up so fast.” One day I had this exact same conversation with 3 different moms before I left the store.
When I was pregnant a complete stranger a “mom” walked up to me in Starbucks commented on my bulging belly, and proceeded to tell me her full delivery story from nearly 20 years ago. Not only do strangers feel the need to share their stories, but so do many of the women I know and love. I couldn’t help but laugh when several moms would come up to me after Bible study and tell me how they had morning sickness too.
Logistics:
Second, I learned the logistics. I got advice on what diapers to use and found out what socks would stay on. I was so thankful for the encouragement to read books like “Baby wise” because obviously I was “Baby stupid.” I had no idea that babies worked in cycles: Eat. Wake. Sleep. I would have totally had him on the wrong pattern without some help in the logistics.
Lingo:
Third, I learned a whole new lingo. Words like “epidural” and “zophran” (a miracle drug for nauseous women) became very important to me. Words like “pumping” and “poopy” are used in everyday jargon like it is totally normal. Suddenly I find myself in conversation with people comparing my child to a fruit. Only a mom would know that a 7 week old fetus is about the size of a blueberry. I had no idea this club existed until the two little lines on the pregnancy test told me I had just been initiated.
2. God shapes my character through being a mom.
Through surrendering my time, my sleep, and even my waistline for my baby, God has been actively working in my life to mold me into a godly person. He has taught me that my “attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” Philippians 2:5
3. My childhood dream was fulfilled.
I was the little girl who played with dolls, stuffed animals, even a poor cat, who all were my “babies.” I longed to be a mother since I was a small child. When Elias was ushered into the world my childhood dream became a reality. I finally had a real “doll” that would spit up, sit up, and would need to be changed.
4.I have an outlet for my “nurturing” tendencies
My husband is probably so thankful we have a child now, so that way I can finally quit nurturing him. “Wash you hands honey!” “Eat your vegetables!” Mark, I am sorry! I have to agree with Beth Moore, “I could mother a fence post.”
5.I have a 24/7 ministry
Everyday I get to shepherd Elias’ heart. I have the opportunity to disciple my precious son and shape his character so that he can face life on his own someday.
My most important ministry is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with my own flesh and blood. Someone once told me that I will be the first glimpse of “Jesus” that he will know. This encourages me to love well, discipline well, teach well, etc… I do everything to point my son to Christ.
Pencilled Daydream 