Has someone in your life helped you grow and flourish as a mother?
In the first years of raising my daughters, I naturally learned from my mother. I’d pepper her with questions as simple as setting a routine and as complex as cultivating a spiritual relationship with Jesus. Eager to be my role model, she’d share stories of when I was little and how she made it through each day as a single, working mom. Her example influenced me as I reflected on childhood memories and simply watched her be "Nana" to my girls.
My mother’s insight and love for Christ has and continues to be an anchor as I discover the complexity of motherhood. Over the years, another person in my life became a portrait of motherhood. And it wasn’t who I expected.
As my daughters grew older, I continued pursing dreams and passions through my career. Little did I know I was slowly leaving them behind. Yet, this person humbly stepped behind me to pick up what was left in my wake.
Sacrificially, this person tended to my daughters every need – putting band aids on scrapes, filling out permission slips, and preparing home cooked meals.
Lovingly, this person handed out hugs and kisses on the forehead when I was away, tucking my daughters in when the sun went down and making breakfast when the sun came up.
Compassionately, this person loved my daughters when their hearts hurt and stood by me in my most difficult circumstances.
When I became a stay at home mom almost three years ago, I had to ask, “What snacks do the girls like in their lunch?” I remember so distinctly the confusion I felt that early morning when I was schooled on how to pack my daughter’s lunches. Even in my own kitchen it felt so foreign to put ham on sandwiches and cut apples into thin slices. Isabella likes red apples. Maddie likes green.
Patiently, this person led by example, teaching me to see my children with a new set of eyes and a much bigger heart.
This person is my husband.
I no longer have dreams and passions that manifest in my career. They are here, living and breathing right in front of me, tugging on my shirt for another hug and asking me yet another question. My passion truly is to become a mom (and wife) that loves deep and wide. One who leads with a heart that beats for Jesus and extends the same grace I was given.
We all have a unique story of motherhood and how we've grown. Some have learned how to be a better mother from on-the-job training, others from reading pages lit by the dim night light. Others learn from the very children they are raising. And I suspect most have learned from trying, and simply trying again. However, I am sure at least one person has enriched your life along the way.
This Mother’s Day purpose to acknowledge someone who has helped you flourish as a mom. Perhaps it’s your own mom, or if you are like me, it’s also your husband’s love, quiet leadership and obedience to Christ. Whoever speaks into your motherhood, speak up and let that person know, even if it turns out to be someone you least expect.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms! Click here if you've missed any of this week's series, "Discovering Motherhood."
Each month, I contribute perspectives on motherhood at MODSquad, an online community devoted to strengthening the hearts of our daughters for God. Click here to join in the conversation and share how motherhood has changed you.
