Unlike countless other times, on this day there were no tears, no bargains made - she sat on the couch eating her goldfish crackers as I clumsily twisted strands of her hair into tiny elastics on top of her six-year old head. Hairspray and gel helped sleek the hair where my ability could not, and after what seemed like too long - she was ready to go to her dance competition where she smiled and chassed her way further into my heart.
Today I watched her offer her praises to God as she sang through her newly nestled big-girl front teeth, while swinging her hands up and down to the music. She sneaks moments between songs in her routine to put her two hands just under her chin and motions to me like a kitten playing with yarn. Meow Meow she mouths, and I motion the same back to her. Together we are lost in a moment with our Maker who delights in play.
One of my love languages is acts of service, and I get to serve two children. They challenge me, oh do they challenge me, but how can I expect to grow - and help them grow - if we don't trudge through adversity before making it to the other side? My service is rarely pretty and most times it is choked with tears and laced with frustration, but somehow grace pulls our little family through the veil of uncertainty and we arrive on the side of understanding.
This Mother's Day, I wanted to recognize my mama and my grandma by hosting a brunch at my place. Through my love language, I wanted to show them how much they mean to me. A menu filled with cooked ham, baked cheesy potato casserole, heaping fruit salad, and lemon glazed sticky buns all served on my best china greeted them as we sat down for nourishment. We were served by others and three generations of mamas sat at one table to celebrate our shared calling of motherhood.
Around my neck I wore a necklace that used to belong to my Great-Grandmother. Mothering is what I am called to do - and for this I am grateful. Someday, with God's blessings, my daughter may also share in this sacred calling. I know that God will guide her just as He guides the generations of mamas before her. And she will grow, just as I continue to grow.
Thank you, God for granting me the honour to be called mama and for helping me every moment of every day. I serve to honour your belief in me.
