{My mom holding me in 1989 and Caleb in 2014}
This is my first Mother’s Day as a mom and I feel so excited and privileged to have that title now. I know that I have a huge amount of learning and growing to do if I’m going to be the kind of mom that God wants me to be. I’m incredibly grateful though that I have an amazing example in my own mother.
I decided to make a list of attributes that I want to have as a mom. Not surprisingly, these are all things that I think of when I think of my mom. Here they are, in no particular order:
Selfless
When I sat down to write, this is the first thing that came to my mind. My mom is so selfless. She is always thinking of her family and putting us before herself. I know it’s something that you work on your whole life but man, my mom has really modeled this one well.
Uncomplaining
Although I’ve not been a mom for even a whole year yet, I know from watching my mom that there’s a whole lot of thankless work that goes into the job. There’s definitely been a million things Mom could complain about if she wanted to, but she’s not a complainer and I’m so thankful for the example she’s set in that way!
Strong
Physically, my mom is tough. She’s had thirteen babies for goodness’ sake! She has taken care of bunches of sick kids while sick herself. She always just sucks it up and does what she has to do.
She is also strong emotionally. She doesn’t fall into hysterics and isn’t hyper-sensitive or easily offended. She takes things to the Lord instead of unloading on other people and spreading gossip. I really appreciate this about her.
Her spiritual life is robust. She is faithful to make time with God a priority even though life is always busy. I’m grateful that she has always set that example for me.
Prays for her kids
I know that Mom prays for me, often, and it’s such an encouraging thought! To my shame, I have not been faithful to pray consistently, but I really want to improve. I want to pray for my family as consistently as my mom prays for me.
Supports Dad 100%
Man this used to drive some of us kids nuts! We could never get mom to side with us against Dad, even when we were sure that she agreed with us. She always supports him and speaks well of him. Always. Thanks to her example I’m determined to do the same for my husband and set that example for our kids!
Humble
Mom has never been too proud to apologize to her kids. I really appreciate her example of asking for forgiveness even when one or another of us kids was much more in the wrong and ought to have come to her first.
Loving
Mom is not a super huggy-type person (or maybe it’s I who am not haha) but she has always shown her love through her words and actions: through everything that I have already mentioned and in many other ways. I have never once doubted my mom’s love for me. I have always known that no matter what I do, she will still love me.
I know that I often took everything mom did for granted when I was back at home and I wish I hadn’t. But I guess sometimes it takes getting out on your own to realize how blessed you had it growing up. I know a LOT of great women and mothers but I can truly say that the one I respect the most and hope to be like someday is my mom!
I love you Mom!
Leave a Reply