what makes it great

: Created on Friday, 24 August 2012 20:00; Written by Nathalie

Though we're never alone (at least during these early years)...motherhood can sometimes feel like a lonely place...

There are days you wanna throw in the towel. Because its JUST. SO. HARD.

To quote one of my favorite movies, "A League of Their Own" (when Gena Davis' character says she's planning on quitting baseball when the season ends because it's too hard), Tom Hanks' character says this in reply:

"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."

In fact, I think it's fair to say that the hardest things in life bring the greatest rewards.

My mom and I have really open communication when it comes to sharing our hearts, the joys and the struggles of life...and every thing in between. She recently wrote me a letter and shared these honest and wise words:

I have always been a bit of a dreamer and always full of hope. That is a good thing but even "hope" can fail you when it is placed in the wrong thing. I had hope that I had the perfect parental formula and even as hard as it was at times, I was sure I had stayed the course and all would be really good for my children.....even better for them then it was for me. However, I am learning that there is no perfect formula for parenting or anything else we pursue. It's not about a formula. It's not about me getting it right. It's about Him and Him alone. He is "Right". He is "Good". He is "Hope". He is The Way.

No matter how new, or how experienced you are at this motherhood thing...I think all mamas' hearts have a common thread...

We all struggle with the fact that we struggle.

But I'm starting to see the struggle as a mirror. It helps us see ourselves in the truest light. And the greatest part of that...is the constant reminder of how desperately we need a Savior. And the image of our imperfections reveal a more clear picture of His Perfect Love.

And even on the hardest days, we can take heart:

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." (Psalm 23:5)

I'm reminded a lot, these last few weeks, of the scripture, "a friend loves at all times" (Proverbs 17:17). This last year I've experienced some of my darkest, hardest hours. But God (in his faithfulness and perfect love) has provided me with some incredible friends. Friends that make me laugh, laugh with me, let me cry (the ugly kind), and cry with me...friends who pray for me and with me. Friends that stick with me...and love me through it all. Thank you sweet friends, you know who you are. I am beyond blessed to know you and to be known by you.

Thank you sweet Leah...for the meal, and the company, the conversation, and the encouragement and refreshment of your friendship. (PS: I LOVE YOUR HOUSE)

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