Growing up, I never day dreamed of being a mom. I wasn’t one to play “house” often, even though I had a baby doll or two, to whom I could play “mom”. As a young adult, seeing young couples with their babies would nearly make me cringe. I don’t know why that was. I supposed it was because I didn’t think that I would make a good mom, or perhaps I just wasn’t ready to be a mom. Even after I was married to my husband who aged me by 11 years, we had no plans to ever get pregnant…until it happened.
I went for an annual OBGYN exam. The nurse asked me when my last menstrual cycle was, and I couldn’t tell her. She recommended I take a pregnancy test, just to make sure I wasn’t. My exam went as usual. A few days later, I got the call that changed my life forever.
“Congratulations! You’re pregnant!”
“What?” I cried out in disbelief. I’m sure the nurse on the other end recognized my sense of panic.
“Your pregnancy test came back positive. You are pregnant,” she repeated.
“Ok, thank you,” I mustered as I hung up.
I then began to sob uncontrollably. My husband, who had been sitting next to me this entire time, was trying to figure out what in the world this call was about and why I was suddenly crying my eyes out. In his concern, he kept asking me what was wrong and how he could help. Poor guy. It took me about thirty minutes of weeping before I could get the words “I’m pregnant” out of my mouth. Just saying those words made me upset.
Without showing any of his own panic and shock, he gleefully blurted out, “Oh honey, what great news! A baby!” He, much later, revealed to me his true feelings of “Oh, shiit-ake mushrooms! What are we gonna do now?!” We were older and were not planning to have children, so this news was definitely going to be a game-changer.
“I thought you were on the pill,” he asked.
“I thought I had only missed one pill!”
Well, call me “fertile Myrtle”!
We all have dreams and make plans for our lives, but I guess, sometimes, the Lord has much better plans already set out for us. My dream was to be on Broadway. I was making plans to move to the Big Apple, crash on my friends’ couches, do some auditioning, and try to make a go at it, when I got this news that changed my plans.
And just like *that* my life did a 360, and I had to rethink what my life was going to look like…being a mom. It did not take me long to embrace this surreal concept. I knew it was something I could not, and would not try to change. I made a commitment in my heart, to myself, to the Lord, and to this baby that I was going to be the best mom I could be. Without any physical sign from my body yet, that I was pregnant, I began rubbing my still-flat belly, and singing songs to the life that was beginning to form in my womb.
My pregnancy was pretty normal. Nothing out of the ordinary, and no significant problems. Of course I had the first trimester morning sickness all day long. Then, by the third trimester, my lower back was hurting all the time. My husband and I spent our Friday nights lying in bed, watching this baby seemingly try to stretch his way out of my belly. It was like watching a scene straight out of the Alien movie. The entire pregnancy, I was still rubbing my belly, still singing lullabies and songs that touched my heart as a soon-to-be, first-time mom, hoping my baby could hear me and become familiar with my voice.
When he was born, the nurse laid him in my arms, our eyes met, and THAT is when I truly changed as a person. This baby, this experience of him making me a mom changed me from that repulsed twenty-something year old to a woman, a mom, whose heart had just grown beyond belief. I never truly understood what unconditional love was, but I knew then. I never trusted, nor knew the depth of the Lord’s unconditional love for me, but I knew then. I never knew what a true blessing a child could bring to one’s life, what love they could bring to one’s heart, but I knew then.
What I have Learned
Becoming a mom changed me as a person. I had to think about more than just myself. I learned a lot about sacrifice and servitude. I became a better person by being a mom. I learned a lot.
Being a mom has taught me what the unconditional love of Heavenly Father is like. I love my child with a love like no other. He does things that sometimes anger, hurt, or disappoint me, yet I still love him and forgive him each and every time. I want him to always know my love for him and for him to trust and never doubt that love, much as I imagine the Lord’s love is for me.
Being a mom has taught me to turn to the Lord with everything relating to raising my son. These children don’t come with an instruction manual. Each child is different, as is every parent. The Lord helps us in our decision-making, in our spiritual-leading, in our day-to-day living. He is our protector, our Savior, and Redeemer. He is always near, ready to guide and to help us, if we ask, especially when dealing with our children.
Being a mom has taught me that I am not perfect; I am not going to ever be perfect, but that I can be the best “me” I can be for my child. If I mess up, I have to forgive myself, learn from my mistakes, and move forward, striving to be better, apologizing when necessary.
Being a mom has taught me that my patience is going to be tested to its very limits, but that if I take some deep breaths and walk away for a few minutes, I will calm down. I will be fine. The situation will calm down and things can be worked out.
Being a mom has taught me that I can’t take everything so seriously. I have to be able to laugh at myself, at sometimes unpleasant or unexpected situations, the silly things my son does or says. Laughter is the best medicine, or so they say. It raises endorphins and helps lighten my mood. These funny things also make great stories to keep in my journal and are great conversation starters!
Being a mom has taught me that consistency is key to a well-balanced, well-behaved, happy child! Consistency with routine helps children feel a sense of control in their world.Consistency with consequences helps children learn boundaries and have a clear understanding of right and wrong. Consistency with my behaviors and responses helps my child to understand me and my boundaries, to trust me, and to feel a sense of safety in my presence and within our home.
These are just a few of the MANY things being a mom has taught me. I know every mom has her story of that first time she became a mom, how it changed her, and of the things she has learned along the way.
As I did some research, I found some great quotes from other moms about what they have learned from motherhood. I could relate with most all of them, as I am sure you could possibly relate, too.
The Quotes
“Being a mom has taught me to rely on God for strength and guidance every single day.” – Anonymous
Many moms draw upon their faith to navigate the challenges of parenting.
“Being a mom has taught me the depth of God’s unconditional love for us.” – Anonymous
A powerful reminder that a mother’s love can reflect divine love.
“Being a mom has taught me to pray without ceasing, trusting God with my children’s future.” – Anonymous
This emphasizes the role of prayer in motherhood.
“Being a mom has taught me that patience is one of God’s greatest gifts, but also one of the hardest to learn.” – Anonymous
A reflection on how faith and motherhood intertwine in the development of character.
“Being a mom has taught me the true meaning of servanthood, as Jesus taught us to serve others with love.” – Anonymous
A connection between motherly sacrifice and spiritual service.
“Being a mom has taught me to embrace forgiveness, just as God forgives us.” – Anonymous
A reminder of the importance of extending grace and forgiveness within the family.
And More…
“Being a mom has taught me patience, love, and understanding that I never thought possible.” – Anonymous
A sentiment echoed by many moms, highlighting personal growth through motherhood.
“Being a mom has taught me how to love deeply and unconditionally, even when I’m at my wit’s end.” – Beyoncé
Beyoncé often talks about the transformative power of motherhood in interviews.
“Being a mom has taught me to cherish the little things because they are what truly matter.” – Anonymous
A common reflection from moms who’ve learned to find joy in the simple, everyday moments.
“Being a mom has taught me the real meaning of strength and perseverance.” – Serena Williams
Serena Williams has spoken about how motherhood has given her newfound resilience.
“Being a mom has taught me that perfection isn’t necessary—just love, patience, and presence.” – Kristen Bell
Kristen Bell often shares relatable parenting wisdom that resonates with moms everywhere.
“Being a mom has taught me that it’s okay to make mistakes, as long as I learn and grow with my children.” – Anonymous
Many moms embrace this philosophy as part of their parenting journey.
“Being a mom has taught me that the heart expands endlessly to accommodate more love.” – Princess Diana
Princess Diana was known for her deep love and devotion to her sons, often speaking about the lessons they taught her.
“Being a mom has taught me to see the world through fresh, curious, and innocent eyes.” – Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway has often reflected on the joy of rediscovering the world through her children’s perspective.
In Conclusion
Even though being a mom was not what I had planned for my life, I am so glad that the Lord had other plans for me and that being a mom was in His plans. My son has been, and still is a huge blessing in my life. Being a mother to him has changed me and has changed my perspective on life. My heart has grown ten-fold and I have loved and have been loved more than I ever thought possible. I am honored to have been chosen to be the mother to my son. Thank you, Lord.
