It's just another Sunday night and we light the candles for that kid, the one who came along and changed our lives. We eat pizza and cake and the kids run around and swing and laugh and play and I snap as many pictures as I can. Looking later, I search their faces and try to find their hearts in their eyes. Is this enough? This simple little life where birthdays amount to little more than cake in the backyard with a passel of siblings?
Life is more than a running tally of how many moments you get right and how many you get wrong. The overarching themes are the takeaway. I can't remember every word in every book I read, but I know that some have impacted me in life changing ways. I can't remember every word of wisdom my mom handed down to me, but I know who she is informs and shapes my own parenting in more ways than I could count. I can't remember every instance where I felt marginalized or brushed off, but it happened enough times that I make a concerted effort not to treat my kids that way.
See, the moments matter - but moments were never meant to be stand-alone. They are strung together to create something more, something intricate and breathtaking. Something that is more than the sum of it's parts. That's what parenting is. Not a running list of failings versus victories, but a bigger, brighter picture. For some, a sad abusive painting. But for many of us, doing our level best, begging down graces from heaven and waking up every morning with hopes of giving them what they need? A lovely portrait displaying our human failings in the light of indelible grace. That's what the kids will carry with them, how they'll see us when they look back. They won't remember each and every moment we got it right or wrong, but they will see us. I know, because when I see my Mama? I know it's true.
I pick out pictures of just another night here and it's there in their faces, something I could never do on my own. Somehow, despite my human blunders, it shines right out. Joy, testimony to His everlasting goodness to us.
{It's Mindful Mothering Mondays, a day to take a deep breath and write out your mothering journey, whatever form it takes. A day to link up for encouragement from others who are in this same phase of life. A day of writing out the trials and triumphs and what you're learning right where you are, right now.
You might post recent struggles or thoughts. Maybe just a picture or a quote. Or maybe you'll just come here and read the links that others post. Whatever form your participation takes, this is a day for you.
We are all in this, together. Together, we can encourage and build one another up, be honest with our shortcomings and strengthened by community to keep fighting the good fight.
I chose Mondays because what Mama doesn't need a little encouragement on a Monday? As such, I'll have the link up ready to go on Sunday night for you to begin submitting your links.
I hope you'll meet with me each Monday! Here's what to do ~
Link up in your comment below. Remember to put the link to the exact post you want to link, and not just your blog url. Include in your post a link back here so others who want to join in can find us! And visit some other Mamas who have linked up.
Post the community graphic within your post, so people who are reading your Mindful Mothering post can come back here and find the rest of us!
Invite the writers of your favorite blogs to join in!
Share this meme with others on facebook and twitter. This community is for all moms, and the more that participate, the more we will be able to enjoy!!}
Grab the graphic here:
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