You Go, Moms!

Our Pre-K children have been writing about their "marvelous moms" this week. Here's a sampling of what they've had to say:

• My mom makes the best chocolate chip cookies in the world! 
• We get to spend time together and play.
• I love her cooking. She makes me white eggs. 
• My mom's name is Mom and her last name is Cherie.
• She likes games. She doesn't like pitching baseballs but she likes cars! 
• I really like riding bikes with her. 
• I love her, we go on walks together. 
• She has really pretty bangs. 

I have the utmost respect for the moms of our school. These women unselfishly give to their families and serve others as well. Many of them combine the challenge of raising children while working. They spend long hours using their God-given talents to financially provide for their kids. Others have made a great personal and economic sacrifice to be at home full time. Some are single moms who bravely struggle alone. All these women have one thing in common; they are putting the needs of their families ahead of themselves.

We have moms at our school who work the night shift and still manage to drop their child off with a kiss and a smile before heading home to bed. Moms who barely sleep, pump breast milk, pack lunches and load the crock pot before working a 12-hour shift. Moms whose homes are bursting at the seams with active little ones who keep them hopping all day long. Moms who lovingly and patiently reprimand their children and teach them right from wrong. Moms who run from volunteering at their child's school, to the library, to soccer, to church and yet still have time to help with homework, read a story and share some quiet moments before bedtime. 

These women are called to a high purpose; modeling sacrificial love day after day after day. But isn't this what every mom does? Sadly, no. There are too many children in this world who suffer from neglect and abuse at the hands of their parents. These women love their children too, but they have so many issues of mental illness, substance abuse or domestic violence they cannot care for themselves let alone provide for the needs of their offspring. The heartbreaking reality is that not every child has a stable, caring mother.

So here's my personal "shout out" to all you moms who think you aren't doing enough. Trust me, you are. God has placed you in this high role for His purpose. And every time He sees you, in all your exhausted state, caring for His children, He smiles.



Cheryl Hoover witnesses marvelous moms every day at Northampton Christian Preschool.