Worth It

I'm sitting in the absence of a screaming toddler for the first time in a hour and a half this morning. He's pushed me, and I need this moment, to recoup, to breathe, and to realize that it's only 9:00 a.m. and there is an entire day yet to conquer and enjoy. When I look over and see him sitting silently, flipping through the pages of his books, it's hard to believe that it's the same little boy who has shaken his Mama's very core only minutes ago. Motherhood is quite the challenge sometimes, and quite the adventure, and blessing, and the list could go on and on and on.

I've found myself crying out to God for his help frequently as of late. When there are tantrums and fits and screaming and I just don't know what else to do, I just turn it over to Him and plead for some help, for some understanding, and for some patience. Lord do I need more patience. He never fails to come through. When I need Him the most, He is always there.

I think of those little lives lost in that horrible tornado and the torture and anguish that their parent's must be going through, and I try to remind myself that I am beyond blessed to still be holding my little one, screaming, fits and all. Life is so short and so precious and tomorrow could be my last day, or his last, and I need to cherish these moments more, even if it's hard sometimes. Disasters are hard and we all cling a little tighter to our families when tragedy strikes our nation, but then there are those mama's all over the world who have to sit idle as their babies starve to death, their little bodies nothing but skin and bones, helpless and hopeless...and still we complain. I suppose sometimes we just need perspective.

I can't count the number of times that I was told before having Henry that labor would be hard but that it would be worth it, and once it was over, I wouldn't remember the pain but only the joy of having this precious new son in my arms. No one ever told me the same goes for motherhood. There are days that are hard, exhausting, and trying, but they are easily forgotten as I watch this little boy grow and learn and love. Every single moment is worth it, every single one.