4tunate

For some reason, there is a misconception that birthing multiples gives you super powers.  Although I think there’s so much that mothers do that is heroic in nature, I’m far from super hero status. I certainly am not superior to any of you. {This includes mother’s of one child, mother of multiples, mothers of a special needs child, mothers of children the “traditional” way, adoption moms, step moms, single moms, cancer moms, moms of grown children, expecting moms, want to be moms…did I miss anyone?}

I often get the comment, “You’re brave”, when we are out and about, and I’m not really sure how to take that. 

Am I brave because I’m bringing four children into a public place? 

Am I brave just for being their mother?

Am I brave because you think I’m doing something you don’t think you would have the ability (or desire) to do?

I certainly don’t feel “brave” a lot of the time. I have the same struggles that I think many of you do. I have fears. I worry too much. I don’t often rise to a challenge with confidence.  I get overwhelmed when things get hairy.

I like to feel safe.

Heroism doesn’t come naturally. The only superpowers I possess come from above. Any courage, confidence, boldness, and power over fears I might display comes from my Heavenly Father.  {Philipians 4:11-13} It’s His strength that I have to clothe myself in everyday (not the  knee-high red boots) , because without Him I would crumble. His power is made perfect in my weakest hour. {2 Corinthians 12: 8-10}

If I was left on my own to face infertility, a quad pregnancy, the NICU, parenting 4 at a time, a job loss, or an intense physical struggle, I’m not sure where I would be. But I know that where I am now is because of His sovereign grace.

How often I forget, and try to carry the load on my own.  I wrestle. I struggle. I fight. I fall.

My security and confidence should come from knowing that I don’t have to face each day on my own. No matter what challenges lie ahead in this journey – it’s not my own battle.

And that, my Friends, is where my super power strength comes from.

{Thanks to my friend, Jill, who gave me the Wonder Woman card. Right back at ya! I admire you so much!}

There is promise of spring in the air.

Subtle, but present.

The boys are itching for spring, as am I. We’re searching for robins, shoots of green, and life to return to the woods. They are anxious for outdoor exploring, baseball in the backyard, bike rides, and encore camping adventures.  I’m looking forward to warm sun rays, blooming flowers, and opening windows.

As each day brings us closer to a newer season, I become more aware of this new phase we’ve entered in parenting, as these four grow and flourish. Their independence, confidence, ability to learn, verbalizations never cease to amaze me.

Yet they still remain impressionable, which is both comforting and terrifying at the same time. There is so much I long to teach them while they remain teachable. Often I feel inadequate and overwhelmed, but there is much joy in the invaluable moments that we just live life together.

We may not be able to provide them every opportunity or experience, but they are loved. And they are loved well.

In season and out of season, our love for them grows all the more.

This Motherhood Gig?

It has its ups and downs.

It has it’s struggles, battles of wills, humbling moments, mommy guilt, shortcomings revealed, pride, and challenges galore.

But you know what? 

There are some shining moments (sometimes they are mere glimmers) that reveal that this motherhood gig is so worthwhile. The training, the teaching, the discipline, the reminding, the instructing, the exhaustion – it matters.

I’ve had a few of these incredibly rewarding moments this week – (don’t worry we’ve had our fair share of arguing, disobedience, and complaining to go with), but nonetheless, it has shown me that living out our faith in front of our children matters. 

It totally matters.

The way we pour into our children, and our attempt to lead by example? They really are watching, listening, absorbing, gleaning. 

Please, Moms, don’t sell this “Motherhood Gig” short. This isn’t your “day job” or an in-between placement. You don’t need to be ashamed of wearing your mom badge when someone asks, “So what do you do?”  

Flaunt it. Value your significance, your purpose and your calling. Even when you can’t do it all.

Embrace His mercies that are new every morning, and His grace that is sufficient.

And then strap on your boots, and fly the Motherhood flag high. We are in this together. We have an incredible purpose.

Rally, Mamas, Rally!