The Price Tag of a Mother by Laurie McDonald

Being a mother of five kids, I find myself scrambling from one event to another, frantically trying to be the chauffeur, cook, home maker and musician that I am called to be at this time. From the earliest A.M. moments (often starting in the middle of the night) until midnight my time is being used for keeping our family knit together in a million different ways. On occasional days, when no one is hurt and meaningful conversation takes place around the dinner table I feel so worth while and find delight in striving to be a Proverbs 31 woman (thinking it IS possible for my children to one day call me “blessed”). Other times, far too often, I find myself wanting to just forget about even trying to be a good mom. The noise level is inwardly provoking my stress level to go higher and lose control. Between the sicknesses and injuries, not to mention the deliberate disobedience, I’m not sure what the best response should be - should I feel pity or anger? Frustration usually sums it up right around bedtime when I’m suppose to be having these sweet moments with my children while tucking them in at night. I’m not sure how my children view me as a mother now, but I bribe myself that it’s worth it all because eventually they will understand my sacrifices and will grow up to be responsible and wise adults that God intends for them to become. In this modern, self-indulgent era that we find ourselves a part of, it’s fearful to consider what type of sin Satan will use to try to ensnare them. My prayer goes out to my children to make wise choices. I know how easy it would have been for me to make a mess of my life, thanks be to God for preserving me from the consequences of making wrong choices. I find myself trying to glean as much wise council as I can put to practice from woman who I look to as being successful mothers. (one’s whose children have amounted to something for the Lord). This is my desire and as the circle of life plays on I want to be able to share the wisdom that comes from God's word, having applied it to my own life, in hopes of giving encouragement to younger mothers. This Mother's Day, even though I know it will be hectic, I’m choosing to remember that the cost of motherhood will one day be repaid.