An Ode to Mothers

Sleep deprivation, anxiety, mom guilt, balancing social, family, and work lives, keeping kids healthy (or at the very least, alive), loneliness, self-doubt, self-image – these are just a few of the many stressors mothers deal with daily. This morning, while talking with a friend about motherhood, it truly dawned on me that being a mother is the hardest job in the world and, often, the most thankless.

I’ve always understood intellectually how motherhood pulls you in so many directions. Some of the people I respect most in my circle are mothers, but today, I felt their strain in a way I never have before. I know I’ll never fully understand what it feels like to be a mother. I can’t truly ‘get it,’ but in a strange way, this gives me an even deeper appreciation and respect for mothers because I can only interpret it from my limited perspective. In reality, the dynamics of motherhood are much deeper.

Being a doctor is a hard job. It, like motherhood, requires a lot out of a person: sleepless nights, long days, undivided attention, life-altering discretion. Practicing law, working on an oil rig, serving in the military—all these roles demand incredible dedication and grit. I’m grateful for the people who serve in these capacities. But unlike medicine and law, there is no residency or internship for new moms to attend to begin mastering their craft. They are thrown to the wolves the minute they leave the hospital. No manual. No SparkNotes. No senior partner at the Family Firm to run things by before making a decision on behalf of their child. It’s almost unfathomable.

Yet, I know so many moms accept this challenge head-on. They put themselves last so their families can thrive. To the moms in my life, I am grateful for each of you. I’m inspired by you. I respect you deeply. Thank you for your faithfulness despite the limited sleep, the whining, the crying, and the endless discipline conversations. Thank you for your comfort, gentleness, and wisdom.

I also want to remind and encourage you that there is no expectation for you to be perfect. So, quit putting that expectation on yourself. I have never once judged a mom for snapping at her child or crying from exhaustion. God works in process. He works in steps towards a promise, a transformation process, a journey towards a destination. We’re all in process – why should motherhood be any different?

Thank you, moms, for being faithful.

A Note to My Bride:

Alexa, I know trying to get pregnant over the last year has been discouraging at times. I love you so much and appreciate your faithfulness, hope, graciousness, and positive attitude during this season.

I see so many pieces of you that remind me daily how amazing a mother you will be. Your empathy, loyalty, desire to do what’s right, humor, and servanthood are just a few of the things that routinely bless me. I know God is at work in you to be the best mother to our future kiddos.

I love you, Alexa Elise!