Mothers and what normal is
5/7/2009
revised 5/5/2013
I recently read a statement about being a new mother. I am sure a man wrote this, because the assertion was so misstated it was funny. Below is the statement along with my take on it:
The man stated, “It takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you’ve had a baby.” To be fair to the man I am sure he meant physically. But as mothers, we all know to well, what was normal (even physically) before the baby was born, changes forever! My hips gained an inch, and have never returned to their original size. I do believe what happened is, my bones must have stretched. What’s your analysis? My feet got a bit longer, and I was mighty thankful they didn’t expand like my hips, because they were too big as they were! I could also mention a few other alterations in my life but I think all mothers understand, so why go on. I must admit though, these changes did bother me at first, but after decades these physical changes have become quite normal for me, and yes, even beautiful, because they were the changes that gave my babies to me.
Then there is our lifestyle - what was normal before the baby, becomes down right abnormal, as life pans out. This life adjustment starts as the nine months tick away, and you start looking (and feeling) like a basketball is growing inside of you. When you first see your little one, that old saying, “it was love at first sight,” becomes oh so true for you. It still amazes me how such a small object can bring forth such strong feelings of love. You now understand what every mother has felt throughout the ages, “Do any harm to my baby no matter how old she or he is, and you will have to deal with me.” (Go mother bear!)
Then there are those sleepless nights - thank God most babies do start sleeping through the night, yet those nights never seem to completely go away. This is because no matter how old your children are, there are always many concerns about them. Will they survive their pre-school years or should I say, will you? Will they adjust to school without mom there, or will you have to get a teaching degree and go to school with them? Will they make decent friends, or have friends that could be in a scary movie? Will they make it through high school, or drop out and want to live at home? Will they go to college, or join the military and really keep you on your hands and knees for their safety? Will they be happy and healthy, and love God and others through out their years and so on? I must confess, no matter what the trials are as a mother, I would never want my life to be that so-called (before baby) normal again! How about you?
Yet as life is, mothering isn’t for cowards. In truth, it can be darn hard, tiring, and frustrating, but it can also be the most rewarding job in the universe. I know as mothers there are those times we would like to temporarily give up our title, especially when we want to escape an out-of-control pre-schooler or high schooler. (There really isn’t a big difference between them, except one drives a car and the other one a tricycle.) Some of you have also gone through such heart wrenching situations with your child that it gives you some regrets about even being a mother.
However dear mothers, there is hope! When those times of desperation hit and they always do - remember, God is your Father, and He certainly understands children who are out of control (Hosea 11 & Hebrews 12:1-11.) I don't know about you, but I certainly have been God's out of control child! So call to Him, and out of His love for you He will empower you to endure all situations, and be the Mom you want and need to be.
When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:14-20 (NLT)
Because of His love, we can be His super Moms! I love you dear ones! Happy Mother’s Day! Gini