Do you remember a movie that was all the rage a few years ago called “Mom’s Night Out”? If you
have seen the movie, you know what I’m talking about when I say God love ‘em.
If you haven’t seen it, it's worth the watch.
I remember watching it thinking that it seemed like only
yesterday when Granny was putting Olivia’s shoes on the right feet when
we got to church because I couldn’t seem to get it done. But hey, we were
always on time, and all four kids were always dressed appropriately. I also remember thinking about the time I asked five-year-old Zach to check to see if his baby sister was still sleeping and he returned
with her in his arms…after changing a cloth diaper because she was wet. He was
smiling from ear to ear and said, “Don’t worry, mommy, I did not poke her.” FYI: I used the old-school diapers and pins.
I was reminded of the gazillion toys I picked
up off the floor, the spelling lists practiced, the stories read, the school
parties and field trips chaperoned, the Halloween costumes made, the Easter
eggs dyed and hidden and all the other
things we moms do. And on the other side of things, I was reminded of the hand-made cards, the fact
that I still use the pin cushion Elizabeth made from fabric in Granny’s scrap
basket, the spaghetti dinner the girls made and served to John and I one year
on our anniversary, the picture and note of apology hand-crafted by Emma when
she accidently let the llama out of the field. Yes, we had a llama. Doesn’t everyone?
Our refrigerator was always covered in drawings and notes
from school. There was always at least six pair of shoes at the back door. I
rarely went to ladies meeting at church without the kids in tow (John worked a
lot of night shifts) and for several years our tax returns were our yearly contributions
to the orthodontist.
Our life was loud and busy. The house was always clean, but
often messy. I wore out three washing machines in twenty years, and we didn’t bother
keeping the wood floors waxed because they were needed for tap dancing and
gymnastic stunts.
And you wanna know something? I wouldn’t change a thing!
Being a parent is the most important job in the world. No
exceptions. As a parent you are giving toward the future. To
be a parent is to do your best to shape the future of society for the better. No small task, is it? Nor does it come with any guarantees. But despite everything that can go wrong and even despite all the things that do go wrong, it's worth it. So, the next time you find yourself at your wit’s end; craving five
minutes of peace, questioning your sanity, wondering if it will ever be your ‘turn’
to do something for yourself or feeling like a complete failure, stop. Stop and
realize that the hand the rocks the cradle really does rule the world.
Love,
Momma D