Becoming a mother changed me in so many ways, and then again, it really didn’t. I have always been one who aspires to do and be my best in all that I do, and so, this desire was not new to me the first time I found out I was pregnant. However, most of the sacrifices I had to make we’re like rude awakenings.
One of the sacrifices I had to make was to move my child from a very unhealthy environment. Why was this a sacrifice? It was because the unhealthy environment was fueled by his father. Here my desire to be the best wife came head to head with my desire to be the best mother and even though I was completely against divorce I eventually had to leave because of the dangers that were lurking.
Another sacrifice was whether or not to send my child to a public or private school. This became a sacrifice because I was not employed and would not be able to afford a private school. However, the public schools in the area we were living were some of the worst ones in NY. So what would the best mother do? Yes, I sent my child to a private school and have not looked back since. Only God knows how I was able to afford the monthly payments in the beginning but I did.
I could go on and on and list the many sacrifices I had to make, and more than likely these sacrifices are similar to those you have had to make, but this post is more about
why we really make these sacrifices. Why when we have children we do the things we do.
I originally said it was fueled by my desire to be the best mother but recently I realized that was not even half of the story. I realized that being the best mother was only a foundation, and the real reason is because I wanted my children to be the best they can be.
In wanting them to be the best, I sometimes cannot be the ‘best mom’ in their eyes and that’s ok. In wanting them to realize their potential, I sometimes have to say no to outside influences, and that’s ok too.
In wanting them to be well-adjusted and intelligent, I sometimes have to push them a little more than they would like, but that’s ok too.
I take my role as a mother super seriously, especially now that I am understanding what God wants from me, or expect of me. His word says to train up my children in the way they should go. This means, I, as the ‘best mother,’ must seek out the best way for each child and ensure that they are growing in that way. This means that not everything will be a part of my children’s life, and as a result, I will fight to protect them from things that are not good for them. If that means, staying home and homeschooling then so be it. If that means moving half way across the world, then fine. Whatever it takes!
This is where parenting gets tough. This is where there is a differentiation between the types of parents. This is where parenting is taken to another level, and it becomes more about the child and less about the parent.
Now, don’t get me wrong. My message here is not that you are a bad parent if you don’t homeschool, no, not at all. It is also not to dictate what sacrifices should be made because that is always dependent on your situation.
My message is this, if you are a Godfearing parent you are required to make the tough decisions, even if it causes you to sacrifice things that you love and hang on to.
God made me a steward over two beautiful boys and this means that I must act in their best interest not mine. If I desire for them to be wholehearted and the best they can be, then my life must in noway jeopardize theirs. To me and for me, this means that though the price may be high at times, I am willing to pay, believing that God has more in store, and when it is all said and done, I did my best.
Desiring that these boys of mine grow in the admonition of the Lord, grow to be respectful, grow to experience and realize their potential, and grow to understand who they are, I have accepted the responsibility to make the tough decisions, and this is what has made me the best mom.
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