Mom of The Year

After Kevin Durant's touching MVP speech, I may not be a contender for the Mom of the Year.

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But really, what is the mom of the year? Who determines if you're a good mom to the children that were entrusted to you? Who knows the sacrifice you make for your offspring?
Who can understand the person you've become since motherhood changed you?
Why do we give out, or even rely on these titles?

If you've birthed a child, changed a diaper, examined poop, removed mucus, tricked a child in to eating - you're mom of the year.
If you've wiped skinned knees, and elbows, or felt sad when your child was hurt - you're mom of the year.
If you find yourself standing up for your child in ways you never expected - you're mom of the year.
If you find yourself wanting to protect your offspring from every bad thing - you're mom of the year.
If you  equip your child as best as you can to deal with every possible situation - you're mom of the year.
If you find yourself yelling because they've done something dumb, yet regretting it later - you're mom of the year.
If you've punished them, though it hurts you - you're mom of the year.
If you've instilled discipline - you're mom of the year.
If you've loved their friends like they are your own - you're mom of the year.
If you find yourself crying when they first leave home - you're mom of the year.
If you find yourself cooking their favorite meals because they're coming to visit - you're mom  of the year.
If you always want the best for your children - you're mom of the year.

I re-read Hannah's story recently - she too was a mom of the year. For many years she prayed for a child and promised the Lord that if he granted her request, she would give him back to the Lord. She became pregnant, and after he was weaned (anywhere between 2-3 years) she entrusted him to the priest, Eli, just as she promised. But she went on to have 5 more children. For whatever reason, her first child made her pray and make a promise to God. Children do that to us, don't they?

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Motherhood is not the be all or end all, but it is fulfilling and matures you in an unexpected way. If you're not a mom, be sure to show your mom some appreciation; let her know that she's your mom of the year. If you're mother, don't beat yourself up; enjoy all the moments of being a mom and even if your children don't say it now, may they rise up and called you blessed, as you embody the qualities of mom of the year.

Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her. Proverbs 31:28 (NLT)

Happy Mothers Day!