Mother's Day

I have been thinking a lot today about all of the women who have influenced me over the years. I have also been thinking a lot about my mother and if she was always as gentle, kind, loving, wise and forgiving. I wonder if she struggled with some of the same things I did and how she reacted when we tried her patience as children. These are the kinds of things I wish I could remember. Because as I grow and learn with my own small children I sometimes get discouraged with myself when I raise my voice or lose my temper. Surely, my amazing mother NEVER lost her temper with us (not that I remember anyways). Sometimes I wish I could go back in time and be a fly on the wall. I sure do admire my Mother and all that she is. She has taught me so much about nurturing children, giving tender loving care, cooking dinners for a crowd, enjoying life, and loving my role as mother. It is because of her that I grew up with a special love and desire to be a mother. I couldn't wait to have a house full of babies to call my own, to bathe them and wash behind their ears, to make them peanut butter playdough like my own mother did, and to teach them amazing things. Motherhood seemed so much simpler from the eyes of my childhood. Little did I know of all the work, sacrifice, heartache, patience, energy and constant prayers that go into this great role. I am so grateful that I have a mother who taught me all of this and continues to teach me through her example and her tender loving care.