Motherhood—According to Oxford Dictionary, it’s “the state of being a mother”, “a woman in relation to a child or children to whom she has given birth”.
What a very boring and unfit definition! It’s so much more than that. It’s unconditional love, unspeakable joy, treasured memories, the most precious time in the life of a woman. It’s ironic that mothers are also the most under-appreciated people on this earth. I’m not just saying that because I am a mother. I truly believe it, and I knew it even before I was a mother.
Do you realize how many crowns a mother wears? I found this paragraph once that names each title a mom holds, “Cleaner of all messes whether physical, spiritual, emotional, financial, Advisor, Advocate, Artist, Bookkeeper, Baker, Buyer, Barber, Blogger, Driver, Christian counselor, Coach, Crisis Management, Creative Director, Chef, Child Care, Dietician, Dishwasher, Educator of Biblical studies-life-academics, Efficiency Expert, Entertainer, Economist, Emotional Supporter, Emergency Medical tech, Shopper, Finder of Lost Things, Farmer, Financial Planner, File Clerk, Furniture Upholsterer, Fundraiser, Gardner, Grief Counselor, Home Economist, Health & Wellness Advocate, Health Care Provider, Ironing, Interior Design, Investor, Judge, Home Mgr, Laundress, Librarian, Letter Carrier, Mediator, Maid, Nurse, Office Clerk, Project Planner/Mgr, Psychologist, Party Planner, Plumber, Piano Teacher, Paralegal, Photographer, Quarrel Solver, Repairer, Receptionist, Rec Specialist, Secretary, Sociologist, Storyteller, Shopper, Social Worker, Travel Agent, Vocational Counselor, Veterinarian, Values Expert, Waste Removal, Waitress.”
Truth be told, there probably are even more roles within motherhood but this sums it up fairly well.
Mothers sacrifice their happiness, sanity, strength, rest, well-being, and their very lives for their children. Mother’s serve their families in so many ways, physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially. The list goes on and on. Oftentimes, mothers are taken for granted. The many things they do go unnoticed. Their tough love and discipline hurts them as much as it does their children. In fact, many times it hurts worse. It hurts when your children are angry with you when all you are trying to do is what is best for them.
I wish I could go back and give one more hug, one more visit, one more word of encouragement to my sweet Grandmama. She raised me and was my “mother”. No matter how much I loved her while she was alive, I realized just how much after she passed away. Unfortunately, we don’t know what we have until it’s gone.
Mothers deserve our love, respect, faithfulness, service, and honor. We will never give as much to our mothers as they have given to us.
Even a mother’s interests are sacrificial:
If she is interested in fitness, it’s because she wants to take care of herself so she can serve her family to the utmost of her ability. She wants to set a healthy example for her family.
A crafty mom enjoys the creativity and frugality of making gifts for her family.
Moms who love the outdoors enjoy watching their children play and gardening brings them pleasure.
Bookworms mothers read books to their family as well as books to help them better themselves and others.
When a mother cooks, she includes ingredients you can find in a store—time, sweat, tears, and love.
Moms pamper themselves so they can look, smell, and feel lovely for their families.
A mother’s home is her sanctuary, and she is always decorating it with her special touch of warmth and coziness.
We can never repay moms for all they do for us, but wouldn’t it be nice to make her life a little easier and bring some joy to her life through her favorite things? If you are searching for that special gift, you can check out this gift guide:
Mothers Day Gift Guide
No matter what, make sure you show that special mother in your life how much you love and appreciate her.
