Mommy Monday: Are we too quick to dismiss?

 This weekend we went to the Fredericton SDA church, to visit with our former pastor who was there giving the sermon. After the service there was a potluck dinner. After eating we were all sitting around talking and visiting. While talking to the Pastor he asked me what was new in my life. Without thinking I gave him my usual "nothing exciting, just the usual."  response.

  Upon pausing for a moment my mind quickly raced to process what I had just said. Why do I always respond as though my life is boring and, well, lacking? I mean, My life is far from glamorous. My days are not overly exciting, by non mommy standards, and I'm not doing anything that's going to change the world. However, My life is full of beautiful, extraordinary moments. Moments made that way by my children.

  I decided to add to my response, "I don't mean I life isn't great, it's full of extraordinary little moments. Cute, and funny and special ones created by my children." I think as parents, especially mothers, we often feel like people really don't want to hear about our children. About their funny, cute, adorable moments. About their latest achievements, or how awesome they are.

  You know what I say? Who cares! We have to listen to those who are married to their jobs drone on and on about their work. Those who have very active social lives love to share all their tales of fun and adventure. The chronic complainers have no trouble bringing us down with their never ending problems. The gossips live to blab others secrets and life stories to the world. If we are expected to listen to all that, to listen to those people, then I think it's only fair we get to brag about our lives as mothers.

  I vote that we get to talk about the super cute thing our toddler did the other day, or the fact our baby finally slept through the night. We should get to share how proud we are of how well our child is doing in school and how smart they are. Those are, after all, the exciting and new things in our lives. If people want to know whats "new and exciting" with us, they are in fact asking to hear about those things. We really should not feel like they are not special or exciting enough to share.

  In this instance I was very pleasantly surprised. The Pastor replied that was just want he wanted to hear about. We talked for several moments about the antics of the younger ones, how Jake is doing in school and the newest achievements of them all. I suppose the fact they have grandchildren they don't get to often see makes them a bit more inclined to want to listen then the average person, but still, it was nice to be able to share my life. To have someone really care, and listen and appreciate what I had to say.

  It was such a positive experience, and felt so good I have decided to speak up and share in the future as well. From now on I will proudly share the extraordinary little moments that make my life beautiful, exciting and special. I will be thankful for the things my children bring into my life, and not worry that they are not big or important enough to entertain and grip the attention of the masses. I will be thankful for my beautiful, mundane ordinary life, that is spattered with extraordinary moments. I will be thankful for, and proud of, my life as a Mom.