"...how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ." Ephesians 3:18
The theme this year for MOPS was an Adventure Park and Ephesians 3:18 was the verse. Taking on the roll as Coordinator was a huge task but God definitely showed me how wide, long, high, and deep is His love. Working with an amazing Steering Team (most new to ST like me), we had a great year. Our bi-monthly meetings consisted of 10-14 moms all looking for encouragement, laughter, and a place to relax and learn not only how to survive but to thrive in the adventure of parenting. Some of my favorite meetings were our Love & Logic speaker, Fitness day, Pastor Tieszen's talk on discussing sex with your kids, and of course SPA DAY! (We had professional massages, pedicures, full makeovers, and more!) Can't forget the crafts too: pumpkin painting, card-making, candle-making, and Easter egg fun.
MOPS' tag line is, "Better Moms Make a Better World." How true is this?
No one realizes how challenging mothering is until that moment when they haven't slept more than two consecutive hours in four months, are drowning in spit up, poop, and greasy hair, and have swaddled that cute "bundle of joy" tighter than a Mexican burrito for the 50th time in one hour yet still have a miniature person screaming at them loud enough to wake another state. Or the moment when their toddler, refusing sleep, screams for two hours after being scolded for pulling every cereal box off the shelf at the grocery store, only to poop and pee all over your shoes and on the couch and carpet as she is still potty training, for the 8th week, and counting.
All it takes though is that one moment when your screaming infant suddenly stops and stares inquisitively into your sleep deprived racoon eyes and, for the first time, smiles the most beautiful smile in the entire world. Or for that toddler to finally succumb to her insurmountable exhaustion, lay down, and before closing her eyes, suddenly look up at you to say, "Mommy, I love you." In that moment, everything else fades. No one truly realizes how rewarding mothering is until they experience this one moment.
Because Mothering Matters, I will go break up a screaming match over a piece of sidewalk chalk and simply enjoy being the mother of two amazing, unique, and beautiful children.
(Elizabeth, Alexander, Conner, and Ava - MOPS End of the Year Picnic)
No comments:
Post a Comment