Thoughts on Motherhood
"No other success can compensate for failure in the home." ~David O. McKay
We're young, we're married, we're expecting a baby, and we plan to do it all on a masters student's stipen. Yes, we're crazy!
Since we've moved to New York, I've met a number of people here at Miner, at work, and at church who prioritize family much like my husband and I have been raised to do. However, there are many other people who plainly don't have that same mind-set. It's what they're not saying that I hear loud and clear. Their body language says it all. I'd like to take a moment to defend myself and my decision to become a mother.
Yes, there are many sacrifices that come with having a child: I will sacrifice my sleep, my personal time, and money. Travel will be more difficult. I recognize that sometimes the highlights of my day will be playing with play dough and then finally getting around to sweeping the floor. I will be at the beck and call of another, smaller, human being and I will be responsible to fulfill that child's needs. My patience will be tried and I will become frustrated. However, I don't see motherhood as the ultimate "losing" battle. Instead, I see it as a great gain. I personally feel that raising another human being is one of the most meaningful things I can do with my time and my life. I hope I will ultimately become a better person by being a mother to someone. I will have an influence on someone else's life and a little on society. I will be someone's hero (for a little while, at least). I will be needed to wipe away the tears and fix a bleeding elbow. I will receive hugs and kisses. I will laugh. I will learn. I will get to spend time playing at the park. I will gain a greater appreciation for my own mother. I will have more people to love and more to feel proud of.
I know motherhood will be a lot of work and I really have no clue, but I know it will be worth it. The positives clearly outweight the negatives in my mind. I think I will be a happier, more fulfilled, person in the end. And that's what I want. I want to be happy and whole.
Now doesn't being a mother just sound way better than settling for a canine companion or a regular job that ultimately just pays the bills?
I think so. And I'm excited! Bring it on!
Amen! There were so many times when I was pregnant and even now with a one year old (yes, even in Utah) that people would give me "the look." I so wanted to stop and ask them, "May I ask what you problem is?" You are doing great and will be a great mother...and you are right, there is nothing so divine as being a mom!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jess. I needed to hear that. Even though I'm not pregnant or planning on it, it's a good reminder. I often look at all my young pregnant friends and think, "Are you crazy?" I forget that being a mother is the greatest thing you can do in life.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful description of motherhood! You're going to be such a fabulous mom.
ReplyDeleteMotherhood is my life's work. That's how I feel too.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how much you sacrifice in motherhood, and yet, sacrifice is NOT a negative thing. There's nothing more fun or fulfilling (or hard) or amazing than motherhood. You're going to love it. Way to go! We're doing the same master's student/no income/new baby thing, and we're doing just fine. So will you!
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