A Word to Tired Moms of Little People

I happened onto this gold nugget my brother gave me several years ago, back when I was in the trenches of potty-training and naptime schedules and dispensing Cheerios.

He said –

“The thing is, Tricia, when they’re grown, when these stay-at-home years are over, you can look back and say, ‘I did that.’ Don’t let anyone say that five years isn’t a long time. In anyone’s life span, five years is a healthy percentage, a solid investment. And you’ll be able to look back and say, ‘I was there. I did that with them.’

And you’re doing it, day in and day out. Not just when it’s fun, not just when it’s convenient, not just when it’s time for a milestone. You’re there. Everyday.

And someday they’ll look back on this and see the face of love. They’ll know how to love people; they’ll know it isn’t just about the fun, the convenience, the milestones.

It’s about the everyday. You’re showing them the face of love.”

~ My brother, On a Phone Date

* * *

On the phone on that day, I needed those words in the worst way.

Maybe today, you do.

Good job, moms.

You’re doing it – the hard work, day in and day out.

You’re showing them the face of love.

Someday, you can look back and say,

“I was there. I did that.”

“God sees you. He designed this parenting journey, after all. He understands the chaos of motherhood, and he joins you in everything – whether you’re scrubbing the floor, nursing a fussy newborn, or driving your kids to soccer practice.”

~ Catherine McNiel,
Long Days of Small Things: Motherhood as a Spiritual Discipline