encouragement

Earlier this week, Cody told me something that I needed to hear, but didn't realize it at the time.  In casual conversation, I was talking about how I sometimes go out of my way to ensure that I do not disrupt the lives of my children.  He waited until I paused for a breath, then said, "Let me say one thing... You don't have anything to make up for.  You are present, you are always here for your kids.  You're a fantastic mom, you are doing a great job."  Whoa.  I fought back tears as I thanked him, and I believe at that moment, the conversation was interrupted by one of the kids, asking for a snack or to go play outside.

His words have been encouragement for me this week.  My most important job right now is being a mom.  Sure, I need the other jobs for income (and sanity, I cannot stay at home all the time) but my most important title is this phase of my life is "Mommy."  Those powerful words came  from a man that sees me with my kids each day: the good, the bad, the screaming--(sometimes coming from the kids, sometimes I am the one acting like a lunatic).  They came from a man that does not lie to me, even to protect my feelings.  They came from the right person, at exactly the right moment.

I am a firm believer in encouragement.  When they are honest, sincere, and from the heart, positive words can be worth more than any material gift one could ever possible give or receive.  Each day since that conversation, I have reminded myself that I am doing a good job.  My kids are loved and safe.  They have happy lives, and a huge family that loves them to pieces.  I can only speak for myself, but I often question and wonder whether I am doing this whole parenting thing to the best of my ability.  While it is easy to get sucked into, I try not to get caught up on competing with other moms or worrying about what other moms are doing. 

 Not long ago, I overheard a mom at Laica's gymnastics class.  I don't recall the entire sentence, but what stuck out was this, "and then we had some all-natural fruit snacks...".  I just wanted to pat that woman on the back (she appears to be about my age, with an elementary school-age daughter, an energetic toddler, and a new baby--talk about work!) and tell her that it was okay to give her child fruit snacks.  Why does it have to be qualified with "all natural"?  Why do we feel the need to make sure others know what a good mother we are?

I do not have the answers to these questions, all I can do is control my own words and actions.  I could not care any less about what type of food you feed your kid, and want to know why?  Because, it is your child, not mine.  Unless you are planning on coming over and cooking dinner (please, do!) for my family, I really should have no concern with what your kid eats.  

I feel that, as parents, we all have our work cut out for us.  We should not make it more difficult for someone else to do their job by making them feel inadequate.  Is your child happy?  Does your child think that you are the best?  I bet so.  You are enough, don't forget it.