thirteen surprises about motherhood

I'm slowly getting used to the idea that I'm part of that group of folks who are honored by a special day each year. Mothers' Day has always been a special time for me; it was the weekend of my mom's ballet school spring concert. This year, they will celebrate 56 years of such performances in my little hometown.

I remember my mom and my grandmothers, (both lived nearby) receiving big hanging baskets of flowers from their kids for Mother's Day. As the summer progressed, the baskets would bloom and flourish in their care; those women were skilled and nurturing: with plants, as well as their children and grandchildren.

This week, I'm grateful for motherhood. Some moments (days, seasons...) are harder than others. However, this is a calling that I love, and it is an honor I hardly comprehend. Here are thirteen things (just a smidgen of the real list) that have surprised me about being a Mama.

1. I didn't know how amazingly gifted Mr. Kenobi is when it comes to all things fatherly. I didn't realize how much I would love parenting with him.




2. I didn't know how much pain or fear I could endure, nor how joyfully empowered I could feel.




3. I didn't know how much I would like these little people. My boys are not just loveable, but they're actually quite interesting people, with fun senses of humor, and generally enjoyable personalities. They have interests and skills and unique gifts, and I find that even though they're quite different from me, it is a gift to see them up-close in so many ways, and I like spending my time with them.




4. I didn't know how little patience I had, nor how much God would supply patience beyond my needs.




5. I didn't know the subtle differences in toddler dialect. I can hear & translate words that sound like swearing to outsiders, because I realize he's asking for a (tr)uck, has lost his (st)ick, or doesn't want (st)itches on his head.




6. I didn't know how strongly I felt about so many issues, and I didn't know how greatly I could love people whose views are completely different than mine.




7. I didn't know how much time is spent on things totally unrelated to eating bon-bons. :) I thought I'd have lots of time "when I am home with the kids" to fill in the blank here with any hobby or interest or amount of sleep...




8. I didn't know how encouraging it would be to hear the wisdom of women who've struggled and rejoiced in ways I cannot imagine




9. I didn't know how much a head injury bleeds.




10. I didn't know how big a gift (and challenge) it would be to share Jesus with somebody who can receive true love, ask real questions, and has ample opportunity to watch how I live out my own faith.




11. I didn't know that the box, not its contents, is the true gift for most young children.




12. I didn't know how much I would enjoy the challenge of managing budgets, feeding a family, or refereeing games. I was not a cook, not a homemaker, not skilled at any of these things before motherhood. Now it's part of the job description, and I enjoy it!




13. I didn't know how very, very, very right my mother nearly always was. And Is! I didn't know how much I would think of her and realize she is a complete rock-star in motherhood. Thanks, Mom. I love you! :)

p.s. there are lots of people who write interesting TT lists...