Reflections on Motherhood

Since it was just Mother's Day, I am taking a break from my usual blog on Live Oak's sermon series to think about motherhood.

Many of you know that my mother died 8 years ago. While no one can replace my mother, I have been blessed by God to be surrounded by women in my peer group who have wisdom beyond their age and the ability to speak truthfully to me about my own worries, fears, and questions about my own mothering skills.

When I gave birth to that little 6 lb 11 ounce baby boy, I was terrified! He was so little I was afraid I would break him just by changing his diaper. But the women in my life stood in the gap left by my mother's absence and passed on to me the 'tricks' that they had learned and reassured me when I made mistakes or freaked out.

I have friends who told me that everyone will lose it with their kids, but as long as you know when to walk away and take a break, you (and your kids) will be fine.

I have friends who told me that everyone needs a jar you continually drop quarters into to pay for your kid's future 'therapy' because of what you do to them.

I have friends who will make me laugh as I call with stories of toilet explosions or 'crazy mommy' moments that were certainly not funny at the time.

I have friends who remind me that our moms were crazy, too, and we ended up being normal, productive citizens.

I have friends who constantly remind me that God stands in the gap between the mom I want to be and the mom I actually am.

And I have friends who ask me for advice and encouragment - showing me that I am doing a good job.

This Mother's Day, I am thankful, not only for my husband and son, who made me a mom, but for all the women God has put into my life who stand in the gap and are helping me become the mom I want to be.

Thank you!

Chesney Szaniszlo