Just being a mom...

I know Father's Day is this weekend, but today I truly enjoyed being a Mom. I laugh at myself sometimes and how God can change someone so dramatically- and I know He laughs when He hears what our plans are and what we think we'll be doing in ten years, etc. When I got married, I was a teacher- had always wanted to be a teacher and then eventually get my doctorate and teach at the collegic level. After my first son was born, I was home the normal 6 weeks maternity leave and headed right back to my high school English students. The next summer was when things changed. My son was nearly a year old, and I got to spend every waking moment with him. I had always wanted the 2.5 children because that was what was expected by society, but never really thought about being a 'mom'. That summer my heart was captured by a toddling-walking, curly haired, ball-throwing, sippy-cup drinking little boy. Not only was it captured, but I liked that it was captured and couldn't get enough of him. When I had to go back to work that fall I put on my 'happy face' and taught those high schoolers American Lit. Half way through the school year I finally admitted to myself and to my husband that I WANTED to be a stay at home mom. I had NEVER wanted that- I was a college graduate pursuing her dreams of a career in education, maybe becoming superintendent. But God used that little curly haired boy to work a miracle in my life. That February I told the principal that I would not be returning the next year, and that I was changing careers. He looked me in the eyes and said he knew my heart wasn't at Nyssa High School anymore, but wherever my son was- and he applauded my decision. I always admired moms who wanted to be home with their kids, but never thought it was for me. And I think it's totally a personal decision for moms to decide whether or not they should work outside the home. As long as their heart is in it, then go for it. Mine wasn't in teaching high school- it was into teaching a little boy about life. Just goes to show that God can change anyone's heart... So today, I came home from work and took my two boys to see Kung Fu Panda. We ate popcorn and candy, drank soda, sat in the second row, laughed out loud together, and stayed through the credits so we could finally hear the theme song...and it reminded me just how much I LOVE being a MOM!!