Motherhood Is Meaningful

Jordan Canafax

Sometimes I get discouraged. Being a mother with no other current employment seems like not enough; less than. I am surrounded by other mothers who appear to be accomplishing abundantly more. It’s in my face to gather time to take care of myself, not lose myself, and show my kids that I CAN do something else besides being a mother. While good and moderately necessary, these pressures can overwhelm and tug away joy in the most basic meaning of motherhood.

Mama, we must not allow comparison to drag us down.

Just being a mother is full of meaning. Breathe that in. It is a role, once started, that streams on and never ends. And while each of us are and do many other significant things besides being a mother, God gave us our children and therefore MADE us to have a purpose as mothers!

My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck. (Proverbs 1:8-9 NLT)

Look what beauty we have the opportunity to bestow!

At the very start there is this whole human being wholly depending on us behind milky newborn lips and midnight cries. There is a growing brain and character developing behind that snotty nose and ornery smile. As mothers we are watched and imitated. Eyes and ears are soaking up our actions and being translated into an understanding of the world. Through our long days together our children are learning that God made us to need each other – to need other people to help us live this life. It can be beautiful in its simplicity. Just a hug from you is nourishing to their souls.

Motherhood is meaningful because mopping up a child’s spill with a smile is teaching them that they are worth taking care of and how to take care of others. Sweeping the floor, washing the dishes, folding laundry or preparing healthy food is teaching them responsibility and work ethic. Meeting neighbors and coming up with creative ways to show them love is growing their hearts. Mothers are not just wiping bottoms and running around like crazy people. Mothers are raising an entire person or group of people that will one day manage something important on this earth.

So Mama, if you feel like all you did today was hold a baby or clean or sweat or cry right alongside your toddler; it was not insignificant. You are not insignificant. The love you are giving your tiny people is more powerful and more meaningful than any of us will probably ever know. My motherhood is meaningful and so is yours.

 


Jordan Canafax is currently a stay-at-home mama to four darling little people under the age of 4 in Dallas, Texas. With a master’s degree in speech language pathology, she enjoys talking to them all day long. Jordan and her ruggedly handsome hubby love daydreaming together about moving to the mountains.

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