Originally posted on May 13, 2009 ~
Fourteen yeas ago I celebrated my first Mother's Day...well, my first Mother's Day snuggling my baby on the outside. The previous year, I was joyfully expecting our firstborn, and though I hadn't felt his gentle movements yet, I remember being so overjoyed that I was somebody's mommy on that Mother's Day! My journal chronicles my longings, desires, and prayers for the baby that grew within me.
A year later, on my first "official" Mother's Day, my husband and our baby boy gave me what has become a treasured keepsake. It was a beautiful gold necklace with a pendant that simply said "Mommy." I wore it my first Mother's Day in 1995, and I've worn it every Mother's Day since.
Mommy. I've always cherished that title. I loved hearing that word proceed from our boys' mouths when they were little, for they were the only ones on earth that could call me that. Everyone else calls me by name. But to these precious little boys, I've been Mommy.
"Mommy" indicates warmth...security...safety; humility...grace...affection. It means caring...protecting...nurturing; fun...celebration...memories. It sings of selflessness, acceptance, and forgiveness; training, disciplining, and loving so much it hurts.
As I removed my treasured necklace from my jewelry box on Sunday morning, I was painfully aware of the fact that there are no longer any little ones calling me "Mommy." These days I'm "Mom." But while the title may have changed a bit, the meaning and the definition of it has not.
Yes, we're in a new season. A glorious season. For as much as I loved their baby days and toddler days and early elementary days, I'm discovering that this current season is filled with blessings untold.
I'm not really kissing any boo-boos, but I'm walking beside our boys and pointing them to Jesus as they face new kinds of hurts. I'm no longer awakened in the middle of the night to comfort them following bad dreams, but I'm discussing their fears with them and bringing them to the One who holds them safe in His hands. In addition to their dad and me teaching them about their Savior and what it means to trust Him, they are showing us what it means to obediently walk with and follow Him.
I love this season.
So as time ticks on and we look ahead to the graduations that linger around the corner, I'm so very mindful that in just four years, it will be our oldest son graduating from high school. And one by one, in the blink of an eye, these little boys who once called me "Mommy" will be leaving the nest. Again, my role will change a bit. But the meaning of my name..."Mommy," "Mom" will not. It means the same thing, no matter how old they are.
5 comments:
Nikki, I understand! My oldest graduates NEXT YEAR! How we got here so quickly I still don't know!
Sometimes I miss those younger years, like the other day when I needed to put something in my hope chest. A pair of colorful little toddler shoes caught my eye. I couldn't resist taking them out for a moment and gazing at them and remembering the little bitty boy who used to toddle around in them.
But, like you, I'm finding the teen years to be just as rewarding in a different way. Seeing my kids walk with the Lord is such a blessing and the spontaneous talks we have these days are moments I will treasure forever.
And I suppose it doesn't hurt that from time to time they still slip up and call me Mommy!
Blessings to you as you go through all these mommyhood changes!
The seasons with our children do change, don't they? However, God is always perfectly gracious and always leading us (and our kids) in perfect love.
We're hitting the "tween" stuff now, and it's got me wanting to run and hide! Well, not really, but I know God will grow her and I through this :)
Your boys are blessed to have you as "Mommy."
Your role as mommy has grown and changed through the years. It's true. I have given you several titles that haven't changed too much, though ;)
I wonder what the boys will call you in heaven. "Blessed Mother"? "Holy Mommy"? I love you!
Your perspective on these things is another example of God's grace to this whole world through you!
Isn't it amazing how we go through each stage and think it is the greatest! The stages DO change but they are all just as great. The teen years can be a little harder on us moms, as we learn to "let go" and give them more freedom. And also as we realize they do not "need" us in quite the same way as when they were younger. But it's awesome to see them stand on their own, and follow God because they love Him and want to please Him. My heart rejoices along with yours, to be a MOM. I am so thankful that God has loaned me these two girls and He has entrusted them to me for a short time. We'll be sitting at the Graduation Service in 14 days and I already can't stop crying...God has been so gracious.
p.s. you look absolutely BEAUTIFUL it his picture Nikki!
We are truly blessed to be mommies. :hcry: Yes, each new season is sweet, challenging and memorable, and yet the passed seasons are still so precious. I cherish and rejoice with you today, friend, in our roles as moms and in watching our young men sprout wings!
Btw, my 16yo still calls me mommy sometimes. ;)
Post a Comment