The Joys of Motherhood

Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, your children like olive plants around your table. (Psalm 128:3)

The photo at the right is one of my favorites! My husband snapped the picture last Mother’s Day. It is a four generations photo of me, my mother, my grandmother, and my daughters. I’m so blessed to be part of a living legacy of loving, nurturing mothers and am so thankful to share this legacy with my girls!

This year, I celebrated my fourth Mother’s Day and I enjoyed every moment of it! Since I prefer not to battle the traditional Mother’s Day restaurant crowd, I opt for the more relaxed and personal atmosphere found right at home. I prepared and served a delicious homemade meal to the “seasoned” mothers in my family and had a great time chatting with them about the joys of motherhood.

Earlier in the day, I had an enlightening conversation with another group of mothers. When asked how she would spend Mother’s Day, one mother responded, “Oh, I’m not doing anything fancy. I’ll just be enjoying another opportunity to mother my children.”

This mother’s words were such a blessing to me and caused me to think more deeply about Mother’s Day. This mother wasn’t eagerly awaiting big Mother’s Day gifts from her children and husband. This mother wasn’t complaining about the burdens of motherhood. This mother wasn’t bragging about her maternal accomplishments and noting how she “deserved” a day off. Instead, this mother spent the day thanking God for the opportunity to be a mother to her children.

How wonderful and refreshing were this mother’s comments! I’m encouraged to spend the coming days, weeks, months, and years enjoying the fruitful little olive plants the Lord has placed around my table.