When I grow up I want to remember what it was like to be a mom of young children. I want to be mindful of the younger moms around me who may be flailing and in need of help. I don't want to show up unannounced at their doorstep during the bedtime routine and interrupt. I don't want to call about things that could easily be discussed via email or text or without them at all. I don't want to burden them with requests to do things they simply don't have the energy, time, or desire to do. I want to remember to give them a break.
When I grow up I don't want to forget how hard it is. I don't want to smile and tell younger moms "those are the best years of your life!" because, honestly, sometimes they're not. I don't want to grow up and make younger moms feel ashamed they're not enjoying every minute of mothering young children. I don't want to grow up and come across as a know-it-all simply because I survived all the tantrums and siblings spats and the potty training and the fights about meals and FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY JUST PUT SHOES ON WHEN THERE'S SNOW OUTSIDE.
When I grow up I want to be like the woman in my neighborhood who called me about an opportunity to serve. But after a few minutes she said "Forget this! You're too busy with those young kids and I don't want this to be difficult for you." She's the woman who also reiterates there's a season for everything and sometimes when your season is motherhood there isn't room for much else and that's okay.
When I grow up I want to listen to my kids tell me about how obnoxious their kids are, and I want to be able to tell them I'll be over the next day to babysit so they can go sit in their parked car somewhere and have some peace and quiet. I want to listen to my kids tell me about how amazing their kids are and I want to be able to tell them I'll be over the next day to babysit and soak up their elfish voices and make art projects with them.
When I grow up, I just want to remember how it all feels so I can emphasize with younger moms and let them know they'll eventually get themselves back. And it will be worth the wait.
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