Since I've got motherhood on the brain this month, I decided to sit down with my own mom to get her take on being a mom. Check it out.
Q: Did you always want to be a mom? A: The answer is yes. I was devastated when my OBGYN said I might never have children! I never believed him.
Q: What surprised you most about motherhood? A: Everything!! How much I could love you. How hard it was to stay up all night and day! How my heart ached for you and how I hoped everything in your life went well. How completely changed the whole world was the minute I saw you. How much responsibility I had taken on. How faithful God was to me and to you. It was like going from a black and white world to blue ray!
Q: What are the unexpected rewards of motherhood? A: Watching you grow, watching you achieve your goals and dreams. Watching you.
Q: What would you say to those young women who feel pressured to choose a career instead of motherhood? A: I would say, follow your heart. Pray. Ask God what HIS plan is for your life. Life as a mom is work; I can't imagine life without children. Most of my friends who chose not to have kids are very sorry and lonely in some ways. Things could never replace one baby kiss, one love letter, one graduation, one wedding, one grandchild.
Q: Who were your mothering role models? A: I think my mom. I learned what I would do and what I wouldn't do watching her. She had so many gifts. She also wrestled with motherhood. She loved God but also argued with Him. She did her best, I know. She didn't find motherhood to be joyful. I wish she could have! I find so much joy in it.
Q: How did being a mom impact your faith? A: Well, it strengthened it greatly. To be given three such blessings made me feel beloved. To empathize with Mary as I held my babies at Christmas, to empathize with God as He gave His only Son. I couldn't have been that brave. I needed Him so much in order to raise you. I need Him now. What a BIG God. What a faithful God.