Teaching Tuesday / The Privilege of Mothering

I love this picture of me and Elijah!

I want to share an article that I wrote in the spring of 2010. Although how found the time to do so is beyond me at the moment. My prayer is that these words straight from my heart will spark an ember in your heart for God's little ones.

As mother to 26 children - 3 biological, 18 adopted, plus 5 new foster children we hope to adopt - I feel especially and particularly blessed.

When people look at what Billy and I have done with our lives, they say "sacrifice". When we look at what God had done with our lives, we say "privilege"! Not everyone gets the privilege to watch Father take 26 "diamonds in the rough" and polish and sand them until they sparkle and shine. The amazing thing about diamonds is that their true value can't be seen initially. No one ever looking at a lump of coal would ever guess what great value is being formed. Just like with an oyster, its exterior never gives a hint as to the valuable pearls hidden inside. We truly are blessed to have been called to steward these beautiful diamonds and pearls that God has entrusted into our care.

Pouring out Father's unconditional love on a little one is what mothering is all about. And I'm here to tell you that it doesn't have to just be your little one. They are all God's little ones. Like us, you could open your home and heart to an adoptive child. Wherever God points out His "Little One" to you in your life, that's your opportunity to sacrifice by stepping into the privilege of mothering.

Yes, like me, there will be days where you feel as if there's not enough of you to go around. Getting up 5 or 6 times at night with kids for various reasons, fighting the exhaustion and pity-party the next morning while trying to get eight of the children ready for doctors appointments at 10 o'clock is no picnic. Trying to type this article with 2 year old Janiah in my lap cuddled on my shoulder isn't such any easy task either. But the rewards far outweighs the sacrifices. When that same little 2 year old, comes running towards me to be scooped up in my arms, hugs my neck while planting a slobbery kiss on my cheek and says, " I love you, Mama!", the sacrifices are long forgotten! And when my 10 year old Menorah gives me this note . . .

Dear Mama,

I love you and I just wanted to thank you for taking us in, wanting to take care of us and be our mama. And that you are always there for me when I need something, and I wast to tell you how thankful I am to have you and daddy. And I pray that you get some sleep.

Love, forever, Your daughter, Menorah

. , , Sacrifice? I don't feel any sacrifice . All I feel is "privileged" and blessed!

#TeachingTuesday #ThePrivilegeOfMothering