A Minute For Mommyಮಾದರಿ

Where's the Pink?

When I was a little girl, I loved to play with Barbie dolls, Strawberry Shortcake, and Care Bears. Almost every Sunday, I would go over to my grandmother Don's house and spend hours playing dress-up, wearing her high-heeled shoes and twirling around in her old formals. My little pink desk was one of my favorite places to be. I could not describe a track hoe or a front-end loader. Bugs were "so gross," and I was not a big fan of the outdoors.

My, how things change when you are the mommy of two little boys. The only doll in our home is mine from when I was a little girl. Clay and Caleb turn toast, cheese, tools, and train tracks into some type of shooting device. There is a ball in every room, and "Mom, can I go outside?" is one of the most commonly asked questions. Oh, did I mention worms and bugs are "so cool"? No pink My Little Ponies or tea parties here.

I was so excited when I found out we were having a little boy, but I was a little anxious about raising someone so different than myself. Could I be the mom Clay and Caleb needed? Would I be "fun" enough or "exciting" enough? Would they want to spend time with their mommy, or would they count the hours until dad got home? I knew there would be challenges to overcome. What I didn't know was that having these two energetic, rambunctious little boys would be the greatest gift I could have ever been given.

Until Clay and Caleb, I never thought I would enjoy throwing a ball or building a tower just to knock it down again. I never thought being locked up in "pretend" jail or having my hair cut with a toy saw would be so much fun. My boys bring me more laughter than I could ever have imagined, and I am so thankful God has given me such a wonderful opportunity to be their mom.

Moms, I want to encourage you today. Your children may be completely different from you. You may have a little girl who loves frilly dresses when you prefer jeans and a T-shirt. You may not have a musical bone in your body, but your son wants to try every musical instrument he can get his hands on. You might have a huge fear of spiders, but your little angel wants very badly to have a bug collection, in your home! Even if you feel totally unprepared to be the mom your child needs, don't be afraid. God is prepared.

Take any cares and concerns you have about raising your children straight to the Lord today. Ask him to guide you when you feel lost or insecure. God knew who your children were going to be before they were born, and he knew you would be their mom. He knows your child's favorite toy, color, and activity, and he knows you can adapt to their interests if they are different from yours. You might be amazed at how much joy their differences bring you. I pray as you embrace the interest of your children, your children will embrace you.

No pink here? I don't care. I say, "Bring on the blue!"