Dedication Weekend

This weekend we are taking a huge step in faith. It falls in line with “Big steps” In my life. It is right up there with  accepting Jesus, finishing college, getting married, adopting a child etc. It is one of those big moments that is a reason to celebrate but with it brings great responsibility. We are having our daughter dedicated at church.

What exactly does that mean? It is not a baptism, confirmation, communion or any of those things that people are used to. A baptism would be her decision, upon making one of the greater decisions in her life. But, the dedication. It is our public commitment as her parents to raise her in the eyes of the Lord. We are saying that with everything in our power we will raise her in the eyes of the Lord according to His word. She will have the ability at some point in her life to make the decision on her own to follow him or not. We are also making a public confession that we need help to do this.

We see this influence already taking place. She is wanting to pray, we sing to Jesus all the time and loves to read her bible (which she got this past week from our church). I can’t wait to tell her how she was so incredibly made, how HE choose her for us. I also can’t wait for her to know that no matter how her mom and dad makes mistakes, there is one that will be able to redeem them all. I am thankful for that, because I know that I will make mistakes.

I have been reflecting all week on what this means, along with what it means to be a mom. This will be my first Mother’s day in which my child is actually present. I spent the three previous with her sitting in my heart just waiting. Those three were very hard. I know several people who Mother’s day is a hard holiday. They have lost their moms at an early age, or maybe mom was not who they were suppose to be. And then there are those, who desire to be a mom, who are not. Any combination of any can make it rough.

But really what is a mom? Technically I am nowhere near expert level. My word, I have only been a mom for 9 weeks. But the three years that I spent waiting for her, I felt like God used that time to teach me many lessons about motherhood. What commitment and dedication it would take. And so, what I have to say is from the experience of the past couple of years waiting, hoping, praying and doing.

A mom comes in many different forms. A person can be your “mom” without necessarily carrying the bloodline or the official title.

Being a mom: Unconditional love, a listening ear when needed, someone that can say I am sorry, also being willing to allow their kids to say they are sorry.  Being able to let go and not hold a grudge, have a soft tone, teacher, someone that desires to pursue a relationship with their kids and not make their kids hold the responsibility of the pursuit. A mom should never see children as a burden, or as losing something because you have them. To be someone that is willing to lead by example, be dedicated to giving the assistance needed for their children to be successful. A mom is someone who teaches their children life lessons and does not avoid those teachings. Never tells a child that something is wrong with them but encourages the positive traits that their kids have learned, as opposed to the negatives. That will help when help is asked for, and allow stumbles to happen where appropriate. Willing to put down the vacuum to have a dance party, encouraging creative sides, or sports skills or anything in between.

And there are so many more attributes that come with being a mom, but these are the ones in the few short moments that I have been this person called mom, have come to mind. I am thankful to have many “MOM’s” in my life. These “MOMS” have been willing to carry me, be open to all the change that has come in my life, especially in the past 8-10 years. They have taught me lessons that I could not imagine anyone else teaching me. All my mom’s in some way, have been there for the greatest moments and in the weakest moments. I am so thankful they have been willing to allow me to lean on them especially as I walk this journey of motherhood. There advise, thoughts and prayers have meant the world. Their wisdom has helped us in great ways at times.

So, to all the “mom’s” out there who read this, Happy Mother’s Day. You hold a very special office. To those who grieve on this day, I pray that you can celebrate. While you may not understand God’s plan in loosing your mom, you were lucky enough to have one. Which means God had a plan for you being here on this earth. You were given a mom who wanted you (Because she could have made another decision) and so on Sunday, we will celebrate your mom as well.

Dear Hosanna- It is such an honor to be your mom. I feel beyond lucky that I was chosen to be your mom. By the time would read this, you will know that I have made mistakes. That maybe things have not always been done the way that you wanted. But please know, that I have been charged with a huge task that I do not take lightly. It is a task that I will never consider there is an end to, only new beginnings as you grow. I love you more than words will ever say, and am thankful that you have given me the title of mom. 

Happy Mothers Day!

 Jennifer