Is the Work Worth It?

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35b

Jim, Me, Maddy, Jake

Happy Mother's Day!!! I never fully understood this verse as a child. Honestly, I didn't really grasp the truth of the verse as a young adult. Thinking back, the first time this Scripture became alive for me was probably the birth of my first child, Molly. If you have had the privilege of giving birth, or even being closely connected to someone who has, then you know that the time leading up to the birth is a continual time of giving of one's self physically.

During those 9 months, your body seems to turn on you as this little bundle of life is growing. I will say that is not the time that I felt it was more blessed to give 😉, probably because I hadn't received anything good in return. But from the time I held her in my arms and still to this day, I feel the joy that has come from giving to her. Giving of myself physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially (did I leave anything out? if so, include that also 😊).

Would I trade any of it? Well, maybe a few of the challenging days, but honestly they are blurry compared to the joy received. Molly wasn't my only; Jake arrived a few years later, and Maddy 2 years after him. Each brought their own personality, struggles, and requirement for selflessness on my part, which also means my blessings were tripled.

Nam, Molly, Jake

I recently had a friend in her 20's ask me if I had any regrets about having children. I said if I had a regret it would be that I didn't have more. I know a few young ladies who have currently chosen or are still contemplating whether or not to have children. They know my opinion, and hopefully they don't feel like I am judging them. It's not that I think they are "bad" for not choosing children. I know everyone's story is different.

But I also know that if you have it in you to love another person (and all of the one's I know do), then your life is going to be so much richer from the lives that you directly impact. Do you have to start with the actual birth of your own child? No, there are multiple children in the world who need a home, and giving of yourself to them will produce the same blessings and opportunity for long lasting joy.

I mentioned that everyone's story is different. Some of us have not been loved well by our mothers. I cannot imagine that pain. I have the most incredible mother! Selfless would be her middle name. She has given and sacrificed multiple times for me, and I love her more then I can express. Then I received the incredible gift of a loving, nurturing, generous mother-in-law. These women continually show me the joy that comes from giving of yourself well into your later years in life ❤️.

For those who have not received that gift, know that your Heavenly Father is the Great Redeemer who can make all things new. He can give you what was stolen from you in your early years, and allow you the joy to give freely to children entrusted to you.

So today, I am celebrating the gift of motherhood. The joys, the sorrows, the laughter the tears. They have truly taught me that it is more blessed to give then to receive, and I couldn't be more grateful. Happy Mother's Day!