Originally posted on April 17, 2017

Being a Mom has taught me so many things.  I’ve narrowed it down to 14 for today.  

Ethan turned 14 on Easter Sunday.  That means I have been a Mom for 14 years.  Actually that means I have been a biological mom for 14 years.  

When Kent and I married back in 2000, I became a stepmom to 10 year old Ben.  I still remember him asking me to bake cookies for his 4th grade class for his birthday that first year.  Oh how it warmed my heart.  I became a mom for the first time in that moment.

Even though we had not been sure we would have a child, a couple years into our marriage we decided we just might and so Ethan came along.  You know how it’s said you can’t imagine your life without them?  Well, that is certainly true.  

Being a mom has taught me a few things over the years. #motherhood #boymom Click To Tweet

And so I went from not being sure I’d ever have a child to being a mom.  Oh how I praise the Lord for giving me the privilege to have the title Mom.

Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been reflecting on being a mom and what it’s taught me.

You see, as parents, we are teachers to our children.  But they also teach us.  Wearing this mom hat has taught me a few things.

1. My body is amazing.  It created life.  
2. I didn’t know I could love someone so much.
3. I need my sleep.
4. There is nothing like the bond between a mother and her son.
5. Boys are gross. (Can I get an Amen from any other boy moms out there??)
6. I’m not a patient person.  Maybe I should add that to my prayer list, but you know what happens when you pray for patience, right??  
7. I do have a soft side.  I wouldn’t describe myself as “touchy feely,” but when it comes to my kiddo, I can be a softie.  And I didn’t cry at movies or sentimental moments until after having a child.  
8. Kent and I are a team.  I couldn’t do this mom thing alone.  My hat goes off to those who do.  
9. The most important thing is that they know Jesus.  Above all else!
10. He is me.  He shakes his head and rolls his eyes at me…I did the same to my mom
11. I took more pictures when he was small than I do now, but I still take pictures.  And most of those early pictures were of him sleeping.  They’re so cute when they sleep!  I want to capture all the moments.
12. There is laundry to do Every. Single. Day.  
13. Slow down.  Before you know it, they’re turning 14.  Next thing he’ll be graduating.  Don’t miss those moments!  
14. You’ll see yourself in them…the good…and the not so good.  

There’s one thing, really the most important thing, that being a mom has taught me:  Christ’s love for me.  

Like I mentioned in my list, I didn’t know how much I could love someone until I had Ethan.  I love my family and my husband, but there’s something about your child.  There’s a thread of unconditional love that is reserved solely for your children.  And yet, in my humanity, I don’t have the power to love unconditionally.  I do the best I can, but I just can’t.

However, the Father’s love is perfect.  And that’s how He loves me and you…perfectly.  

Being a mom has given me a glimpse of the Father's love for me. #faith #boymom Click To Tweet

It was when I felt that love for my child, I felt like I caught a very tiny glimpse of the the magnitude with which Christ loves me.  Oh what love!  

And so I know that I’ll keep learning from my child. We have more years and stages to navigate.  I  just pray that God will lead me and guide me and give me wisdom.  I know He will.

Let’s talk!  Come over to my Facebook group and join other women who are on this faith and fitness journey striving to be our best selves for our families and to follow the path God has us on.