Before I Was A Mom...

This is for all the women out there who have adopted children (legally or IN THEIR HEARTS), the women who have balanced careers and/or stepped aside from them to make a difference in the lives of children, the women who've been the mom to kids who don't have the support of their own family, etc. With truly giving ourselves to others, comes inner joy -- yet, often, confusion, turmoil & heartbreak. Regardless, I believe that God created women with a heart that yearns to GIVE. In giving of ourselves (especially to children & young people), we bring honor to our Maker.

The following e-devotional from HomeWord Center for Youth & Families was in my InBox this morning:


"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord." 1 Samuel 1:27-28


BEFORE I WAS A MOM...
I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.


Before I was a Mom...
I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.


Before I was a Mom...
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Spit on.
Chewed on.
Pottied on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.


Before I was a Mom...
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests. Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.


Before I was a Mom...
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.

Before I was a Mom...
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom...
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much love or so much pain before I was a Mom.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.


— Author unknown.

MOMS (of all kinds), I count it an honor to share this calling with you. May we lift each other in prayer. May we go the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of those around us - children, fellow parents & each other. May we look for ways to encourage each other in the dark times & celebrate with each other in the times of joy. May we extend grace & mercy in the challenging times yet, not hesitate to speak truth to each other in even the toughest times. May we seek HIS will & trust in Him for our daily strength & guidance.


HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to every women out there who is a mom (by childbirth or by giving your heart)!