We may all have come to motherhood differently, with different expectations, for different reasons. But on the really bad days—the ones that start at 6 AM, after the kids have gotten me out of bed ten times (no exaggerating) during the night, where my patience is threadbare before both children have finished breakfast—in my heart of hearts, I’m afraid that I’m one of those people who should never be a mother.
Really, I know that’s not true. I know that this is what I’m supposed to do, and I’ve always known it. At my high school graduation, they had us fill out a slip of paper with our top three career choices. I put down writer and, after some thought, mother.
As I recall, I couldn’t think of a third.
But even if motherhood hasn’t been the destination you’ve envisioned since high school, you are meant to be a mother. If your arms have ever hungered for a child—if you’ve ever struggled with your children all day, only to miss them the minute they’re asleep—if you’ve ever marveled that this perfect little person, this growing, intelligent, sweet, forgiving child, could be yours—
If you have ever loved your child—
You are meant to be a mother.
6 replies on “You are meant to be a mother”
Great post! Loved what you said about struggling with children all day only to miss them the minute they’re asleep. That happens to me so often and I always wonder at it. Sweet sleeping kids must be God’s way of taking an eraser to my crazy day so I can face another. I love being a mother!
This is beautiful–thanks!
I had the same aspirations. I did write down a third, though–high school English teacher–because I thought it might bring in more money than the other two.
I’ve got the first two jobs, and even with the rough patches, I’m happy with them. No need for the third.
I have lots of days where I wonder why the heck I got into this business(the mothering business) and I really appreciate your words. Because, you are right. I was meant to be a mother.
wow, Jordan, this might be the shortest, most profound post I’ve read on your site yet. I love it. Because I know I’ve felt that way. Even today when i had to put Gwen down under her baby gym for 1/2 an hour bc I was just so exhausted… and I just listened to her whining in there because she wanted to play with me… it just makes you feel like you aren’t cut out for it. I am grateful for the reminder that the only qualification needed, really, is love. THanks.
Great post Jordan. I have had the same aspirations. In fact, my blog post today was about remembering the “writer” part. But Mother was always at the top of the list. I sure have those 6am days after 10 sleep interruptions where I certainly question my choice of career. Thanks for helping me not feel so alone.
I am in a bad part of life right now. I am pregnant with my third child, the father is very manipulative and his ex is constantly harrassing me. I am thinking of an abortion. I am desperatly looking for someone or somthing to tip the scale on my decision. Your post makes me remember the greatness of motherhood. But can I do it alone again? thanks for the encouragment.