Oh, Joyous Motherhood!

Written & Submitted by: Mrs. Gwen Miller

It's 11:00 p.m. I just finished nursing and tucking in four month old Mark. Luke (5) and Heath (3) have been in bed since 9:00 p.m. My husband John will be up early for work and has gone to bed also. All is quiet. I look beside me at a black toy gun and a book with waterproof pages. Across the living room is a baby swing and an infant jungle gym. I realize these days are priceless and fleeting. Our house is rarely quiet. It is daily a series of sibling squabbles, snacks, wet kisses, storytime, playtime, and naptime. To the outsider these may seem like days of madness and stress. But, I treasure my hectic pace. The daily duties of motherhood fill me with a deep sense of tranquility. I am the one who takes care of the needs of my young children. I am the major influence in their lives. I get to see the wonder in their eyes as they discover things I've grown to take for granted like the colors of the fallen autumn leaves or the fresh smell after a morning rain.

When I quit my teaching job to stay home with my first child, people often asked if I missed working, implying my days of accomplishment and feelings of self worth were behind me, tied to a job and a paycheck. I only have to look around me at the faces of my children and I know, in the future, I will look back on these early childhood times with deepest satisfaction. Warm memories recorded in my journal will be mine for the keeping. After all that is what these days will be… memories. Children do grow up. I want to remember that I lived with my children, that I enjoyed them in each stage of life. Friends remark about looking forward to the day their child starts school. Desiring to get them out from "underfoot." I think, Why? That is why I had children… to experience family life. To have a growing relationship with a human being that is unique and like no other on earth. I'll admit, I often long for a peaceful hour to myself or a night out with my husband with uninterrupted adult conversation. But spending time at home with my children is a daily joy I wouldn't trade. Thank God for the blessing of motherhood.

Published In May 2000 issue of "Hearts at Home"

« Return to Inspiring Articles