How I Learned the Meaning of Motherhood

The first time I remember learning the meaning of Motherhood happened at the age of ten when I was told by a relative that the only reason my parents married was because my mother was pregnant with me.

In that moment, I learned that motherhood was shame, it was brokenness. That Motherhood was a life-long consequence for a one-time decision.

My parents divorced when I was a toddler. No matter how much my mom told me she loved me or how much my parents stood in silent respect for the regard of the others character, I came to the conclusion that the obvious answer to life’s question of marriage and children was to remain single and never have children. Family and Motherhood was a dangerous proposition.

But then I met my husband.

The first time I saw my husband with his mom I learned a different meaning for Motherhood. I learned, honor, respect, compassion, consideration, encouragement, love and kindness. My husband treated his mom like a queen. He would do anything for her. I learned by watching my husband live out what Jesus taught, “God said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’” (Matthew 15:4 NIV). It was and still is a beautiful thing to watch.

When we had our first son 15 years ago on Mother’s Day, I learned another meaning for Motherhood. I learned for the first time what the unconditional love of our Heavenly Father feels like. When the Doctor put Austin on my chest, I thought my heart was going to explode. I had never felt a love so pure, so honest, and so perfect. “He shows me His unfailing love…” Psalm 32 & 107.

Over the years there have been other people in my life that taught me the meaning of Motherhood as I watched them champion and value the mother’s role by words and by action in a way I never knew when I was growing up. For this, I am forever grateful and wish this for every mom!

Erma Bombeck said it best when she wrote these words in, When God Created Mothers.

“When God Created Mothers” When the Good Lord was creating mothers, He was into His sixth day of “overtime” when the angel appeared and said. “You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.” And God said, “Have you read the specs on this order?”

She has to be completely washable, but not plastic. Have 180 moveable parts…all replaceable. Run on black coffee and leftovers. Have a lap that disappears when she stands up. A kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disappointed love affair. And six pairs of hands.”

The angel shook her head slowly and said. “Six pairs of hands…. no way.” It’s not the hands that are causing me problems,” God remarked, “it’s the three pairs of eyes that mothers have to have.” That’s on the standard model?” asked the angel.

God nodded. One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks, ‘What are you kids doing in there?’ when she already knows. Another here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn’t but what she has to know, and of course the ones here in front that can look at a child when he goofs up and say. ‘I understand and I love you’ without so much as uttering a word.”

God,” said the angel touching his sleeve gently, “Get some rest tomorrow….” I can’t,” said God, “I’m so close to creating something so close to myself. Already I have one who heals herself when she is sick…can feed a family of six on one pound of hamburger…and can get a nine year old to stand under a shower.”

The angel circled the model of a mother very slowly. “It’s too soft,” she sighed. But tough!” said God excitedly.

“You can imagine what this mother can do or endure.” Can it think?” Not only can it think, but it can reason and compromise,” said the Creator.

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek. There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told You that You were trying to put too much into this model.” It’s not a leak,” said the Lord, “It’s a tear.” What’s it for?” It’s for joy, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness, and pride.” You are a genius, “said the angel. Somberly, God said, “I didn’t put it there.”

We live in an imperfect world.

A world of human error but also a world where love and truth overcomes. Ultimately, God is the redeemer of our lives.

I once believed that Motherhood was shame and disgrace. I now believe the true. Motherhood, a gift given by God is loves power to change the world, one little person at a time!

What do you believe about Motherhood?