typical
When I think about mothers day and what it 'looks' like I see new fluffy slippers, maybe a dressing gown, smelly bath things packaged beautifully with fancy ribbon ties, boxes of fancy named delicate expensive chocolates and breakfast in bed. That's for the 'lucky' ones whose partner spent the time, energy and finances to go through such 'trouble'. Then there are the mothers that might be presented with a card made at school and a small cheaply made yet somewhat memorable and nostalgic hand made gift from kindy or school. Then there are the disappointed mothers who are in no way recognised for the job that they do, or how valuable and worthy there position is of being a mother. And also the 'mothers' that are like mothers to us but didn't birth us - We generally call them 'spiritual' mothers but there are also the mothers that look after us, care for us, teach us like mothers.
My Thoughts
As mothers day approached I have been pondering 'what is it that *I * want for mother's day. I've thought about the typical mothers day gifts (slippers, Pjs, smelly bath things, expensive chocolates, breakfast in bed) and none are worthy to my heart.
None say to me “I honor you”, none say to me “I love you”, none say to me “you mean a lot to me", none say to me "delightfully enjoy me" (as in me enjoying them).
What would make my day perfect?
My Perfect Day
My perfect day would begin with me waking up snuggled into the man who made me into a mother. It would include seeing the beautiful faces of the children who made me into a mother.
I would get cuddles by one to four of my children while still lying in bed and a cuddle from my Man.
I might even get a quiet shower all to myself with no one talking to me, yelling at me and no one knocking on the door – because if I had that opportunity the door is ALWAYS shut. Just in case.
My perfect day would then continue into getting breakfast for everybody. Sitting around the table all 5 of us table sitters to pray together and eat together.
I might get the dishes done without me actually having to do them but (overly) I don't mind doing them. Especially if someone is helping me get them done.
We would then move into the lounge where I might sit on the couch and watch my children play beautifully or perhaps we will get into some school work, or watch a music(al) dvd together singing along to the lovely words and watching the glorious pictures on film.
I would of course be reminded of how absolutely BLESSED I am to have these 4 children whom I love and adore so deeply, so greatly.
I would laugh at a few of the hilarious things that they do or say and be reminded how quickly these times are passing me by and these things I will miss when they are older/teens and adults.
I would do very little housework, barely have to pick anything up off the ground and the children would be completely obedient, kind and gentle.
My perfect day would continue along enjoying my children, having a rest, and feasting with my family.
If I can have the first few things I don't mind the tantrums, the fighting, and even the disobedience.
My Heart
My heart would be full of love and overflowing with thankfulness that He saw me fit to give to me Isaiah, Amalia, Jarah & Avigail. I consider my children to be a blessing, a wonderous gift. A pleasure to be with. I more than just love them. I live for them, and they make my life better just by being a part of it.
Overview
On overviewing what my perfect day would consist of I came to the realisation that in between the fights and the tantrums and the house work, and the dishes, and the washing, and cleaning the floors, picking up toys and clothes and other random items that just about everyday I HAVE my perfect day.
Everyday IS Mother's Day
So when it comes to the day of the year labelled 'mothers day' I wish not for fancy chocolates – plain is fine, nor do I wish for pink fluffy slippers – black or caramel knee high ugg boots would suit, breakfast in bed will spill and the children will eat half of it before I get the chance to, and if I got smelly bath things I'd like to have the bath in private, alone, with no one knocking on the door, no one yelling at me, no one trying to take the opportunity to talk to me, with no body crying or screaming for me or something.
Yes! I do like to know that what I am doing for my family is noticed, that people notice the self sacrifices that not only I make but other mums make just by being a mother. I do need to know that I am valuable and I do find it encouraging to hear that my 'efforts' are paying off.
Whether I 'hear' those things above, I will and do continue doing the best I can at being a mother without the 'recognition' and without the 'mothers day gifts'.
But really... I'd just like to take the time to enjoy my family for who they each are and where they each are at.
So from me to you... I hope that you had and will have happy mother's day... everyday... To all the mothers, all the mums-to-be, and the mothers in the future...
May your hearts be filled with joy, peace and love this very day.
5 Things I am Thankful for:
God – for giving me these children
Michael – for making me a mother
My Father & Mum – for giving me life
My children – because they love me
For Time – because with time you can enjoy them
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