The M’s Of Motherhood, Cymplified!

To the tune of ‘What are little girls made of?’:

What are mothers made of? What are mothers made of?
Guilt and grace…
Cotton and lace…
Cupcakes and wine…
All things divine…
That’s what mothers are made of!

1. Mundane

Do you agree that mothers are masters of the mundane? Parenting experts say that babies and children thrive on routine. I don’t think anything could get more mundane than feeding, changing soiled clothing, bathing, napping, etc. – basically caring for a human’s basic needs other than yours. Each day meeting a child’s needs is quite monotonous. Aside from that, there are the needs of the home, and meals to plan. Mothers are the ones who attend to the teeny tiny details of the home, like always having cotton buds in the bathroom. And of the children, like making sure they have face towels to wipe their sweaty backs or sticky lips. The most exciting moments that happen in our lives at this stage are the little ones achieving milestones: that first word, that first step, the first day of preschool.

2. Moments

Yes, the days blend & blur together and I’m left living from moment to moment. There are moments that I want to never find myself in, like when the children get sick. There are moments that make me say, “Do these things happen to only me?” Then, there are moments that make me realize that I am blessed beyond what I deserve and that motherhood is right where God wants me to be. These moments are meant to be treasured and to be lived in, no matter how unpleasant, and especially if they are heartwarming.

3. Mistakes

Don’t we all wish that motherhood comes with a tailored manual? Not even the best parenting book could prepare us for this journey since each mom is different, each child is unique. Making mistakes is a part of the motherhood journey, no matter how much advice we followed. I have my share of mistakes that I am ashamed to look back on. But that’s where I learn the important lessons that make me a better mom than when I first started. That is why I am so grateful for God’s grace, for the resilience and forgiveness of my children and of my husband.

4. Ministry
Whenever I realize that motherhood is right where God wants me to be, I view motherhood as my ministry, my vocation. Motherhood allows me to be in a “position” to experience Jesus Christ’s servanthood, on my knees cleaning up messes. It allows me to live out the fruits of the Spirit and to emulate His humility. Sharing my faith in Jesus with my children is what I aim to do every day. I want them to enjoy His love, the salvation and the security He offers, for the bad times, the good and everything in between.

Mark 10:45 (NIV)

⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

5. Memories

We may have too much material possessions, but we can never have too much memories. I guess that is why I treasure family traditions and family day-outs, although simple ones, it’s when the parents’ presence and love are felt by the children. I’m sure that feeling will stay with them for a long time. Rick Warren said that “the best expression of love is time”.

When we make time to treasure the moments, no matter how mundane, even if we make mistakes, realizing that this is our ministry, then we will create beautiful and lasting memories.

Don’t you agree?