mothers are amazing

I am beyond privileged to know many amazing mamas and women. I believe God has given all women a mothering heart. I think He has created women to love and nurture life whether we actually give birth to children or not and therefore I hope that all women who mother in any sort of capacity feel honored today. I see women all the time who are selfless, nurturing, brave, hopeful, strong and beautiful, and mothering... many of these women have children but definitely not all of them. I hope that no woman feels like any less of a woman today just because she does not have children.

I have been blessed with two amazing babies, and I know being their mother is by far the most important job I have even had. Nothing else in my life has been more wonderful or made me depend on Jesus more. I need to be more like him, so my children can see Him. This journey makes me grateful for those in my life that are a great example for me as learn more and more about being a mother. I am especially thankful for my sister, who is a great mommy to her amazing kids, my mother-in-law, who did a great job raising my incredible husband, friends and family, who are a step or two ahead of me, and friends who are in the trenches with me as we are mamas to babies and toddlers. Most of all I am thankful for my own mother, and since I failed to get her anything this Mother's Day, here's a little tribute to the woman I am honored to call Mom.

Anyone who knows my mom knows she is amazing. I have had the privilege of watching what it means to be a great mom every day of my life. Just by being who she is, she has taught me how to be a great mommy to my own kids. From the day I was born and she became a mother, she has continuously and selflessly given whether she was changing diapers, cooking meals, cleaning house, buying us clothes, driving us around, making our house a home, or the million other things moms do, she always put us before herself. My mom has bravely let her children grow up, letting us travel (even to other countries) and watching us move around. I'm realizing more everyday just how much courage it takes for her to support us through everything, even when it takes us away from her. She is nurturing and motherly to her core bringing life, joy and beauty wherever she is. My mom is great with people. She is very disarming and makes those around her feel relaxed and at ease. She is always hopeful, always encouraging us that things will work out and be okay. Even if things aren't okay at the moment, she knows they will be. I believe most of that comes from the trust she has in the Lord and the eternal perspective she has. My mom has great strength and has faced some tough times, never wavering in her love for God or others. I have never known anyone to love like my mom does. She loves her husband, children, grandchildren and all who come into her life fiercely,  deeply and unconditionally.

My husband often laughs and says, "You are your mother's daughter." Many times he says that because she's passed down some quirks to me too (I hate goodbyes, love Starbucks and have a hard time making decisions, especially when shopping), but I take it as a compliment. She has raised three children who are all following the Lord and passing on the love she has given. I hope and pray I mother my kids as well as my mama has mothered hers. Happy Mother's Day to my mom and all the beautiful women in my life.

My lovely mom and the little girl who made me a mom too.