Mom. Mom. Mom. Mama! Mama!! MOOOOMMMMYYYY!!!
We were driving back from our family vacation in Northern Michigan, and while the older two kiddos were watching a movie the youngest babe wasn’t interested and instead wanted my undivided attention for about two hours straight. Jer and I were trying to have a meaningful conversation, which was pretty much impossible because we kept being interrupted every 5 seconds by her yelling, “Mama, Mama, MAMA!!!!”
I’d say, “Yes, Blair?” and she’d rattle something off that was super important to tell me at that exact moment. I’d smile and nod and acknowledge what she said, and then as soon as I’d turn back around, she’d start yelling my name again.
To be honest, I was getting a little annoyed. I just wanted to be able to talk to my hubs. We’d been looking forward to a quiet drive home to be able to have time to talk and connect before adjusting back to real life.
But then it struck me, how utterly amazing it is to be called Mama by these precious little people. It is the most powerful name in the world. It is such a privilege to be their mom, they are such an amazing blessing to me. I hope it never ceases to amaze me to hear their voices call me out by name. Mom. Mama! Mommy! The name melts my heart. When they call to me, there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for them.
It’s overwhelming, in both a good and bad way. It can feel suffocating sometimes. But there such unbelievable beauty rolled up into that one small word: Mom.
To them, it means:
Love.
Safety.
Comfort.
It means snuggles and never enough kisses.
It means I am here for you. Always.
It means I love you as unconditionally as I possible can as a fallen, imperfect person.
To me, it means:
Love.
Responsibility.
Sacrifice.
It means You have changed absolutely everything about my life and I can’t imagine it any other way.
And I hope and I pray that it also means joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and gentleness to them. Not because I am any of those things own my own. No way.
Only because I hope and pray that they will see my Jesus in me and through me.
And so, this most wonderful name also means that I am being refined and renewed, day by day. As I pray for the fruits of His Spirit to be alive and active in me and in my interactions with my kids. With every call of my name: Mommy! Mom! Mama!
Yes, sweet children. Mommy’s here. And I whisper,
Sweet Jesus, be here with me. May they see You through me.
Thank you for sharing this absolutely beautiful reminder of how privileged we are to be called “mom”. Often we can feel overwhelmed by motherhood, but we are truly blessed. All we need to do is remember that there are so many out there that long with all their hearts to be called “mommy” and may never have that chance. Thank you for reminding us of how blessed we are.
Emily, that picture just melted my heart. What a sweet, sweet post. Thanks for the reminder that being a mami is pretty darned special! Love you!!
This is such a great sweet reminder that we shouldn’t be upset when we hear our kids say Momma all day long! I literally feel like Zeva says it all.the.time! In fact she said it at least 20 x’s as I was reading this. Immediately I wasn’t as frustrated as I normally am from he doing it so much.
In fact, I got extra hugs and kisses out of the deal. 🙂