The joys of motherhood

Is motherhood a joy? I have pondered this question the last few days as I have watched moms with little children play in the park by the lake. These children laugh and giggle as mommy chases them through the playground equipment but cannot catch them because she is too big to fit in the tunnels. It certainly appears to be a joy. But what does the future hold? That child will continue to grow and in the blink of an eye will soon have friends who are suddenly more important to be around then mom. Soon that child will have a driver's license and will be baffled as to why mom is worried when she is 20 minutes late for curfew. That child will graduate high school and maybe choose a college where she will move and live most of the year. A roommate as well as all new experiences will be had by her as she begins a new chapter of her life. Eventually that child may marry and start her own family and mom will be someone she calls for advice or when she has the time to chat. In between all these experiences and changes will come joys for sure...the joy of watching her graduate, walk down the aisle, be a mom. There will also be hurts...these are unavoidable as she tests her wings. When your child hurts, a momma's heart hurts as well. I have experienced this cruel reality especially these past two weeks. To be a mom is to wear your heart on your sleeve and allow the risk of it being stabbed. I don't always like this part of motherhood. Many times my heart has been stabbed yet I keep it out there out of love for my kids. When all is said and done, I wouldn't trade the joys of motherhood just to miss out on the hurts. It would be like chopping down a rose bush because it had thorns. I will continue to enjoy my children even when they are no longer children and deal with the hurts that come along with their mistakes and failures.