Being a mother requires sacrifice. In many different forms.
We labour consistently day by day trying our best to run our homes and help our children to be educated, confident, self motivated and happy. We work hard to help them be free from trials and challenges and to develop the special gifts and talents they posses.
We love, encourage, praise, teach and help strengthen our children 24 hours a day.
Often at great personal sacrifice.
Since becoming a mother I have struggled with personal sacrifices.
Some of them I was happy to make, others have been hard to give up.
As a young mother my days were spent rushing from one nappy change to another, from one feed to another and from one tantrum to another. I hardly had a moment to sit down.
These were exhausting days.
The demands were physical. Getting down on the floor and getting up from the floor 100 times a day. Carrying children around on my hip all day. Lifting children into highchairs, swings and onto a change table left me feeling worn out and physically spent.
I had to sacrifice my time, my sleep, my eating, my private quiet moments - heck! my private toilet moments and any relaxation time I wanted. Life was full and busy.
During this time my personal sacrifices {although difficult to make} were replaced with treasured cherub moments that took my breath away and made my heart melt.
Sweet sloppy kisses, tiny hands holding mine, a hug from a little one who holds on tight, a loving look right in my eyes, a smile for the first time, a cheeky look that shows personality and babbling talking that runs on for days!
They were all worth it.
To sacrifice is to give up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy. Personal sacrifice takes it to a new level. It gives it new meaning and commitment.
Motherhood is a sacrifice.
It is important and a worthy pursuit.
The greatest work we ever will do is within our own homes.
The personal sacrifices I made seem so small compared to the blessings I have gained.
I want to share with you a clip from Catherine Arveseth who is an inspiration. She went from being childless ~ to in four years, the mother of five children, including two sets of twins.
Catherine struggled with infertility and on her blog shares how this time in her personal 'wilderness' helped her to see motherhood differently. She also shares some of the complexities, joys and coping strategies that help her live and love her busy life as a mother of five.
Her awesome blog is found here at: Wild and precious and this time lapse video is a must watch.
Ahhh! the memories....
Now onto the linking love. Here at Seven Cherubs we love to promote motherhood.
We love to connect mothers through their hearts.
I love to write about it and encourage other mothers/parents to write about it too!
I love to read and learn what thoughts you have in your hearts and to see how you are going with your cherubs. So join in, link up and take the time to leave some encouraging comments for other awesome mothers out there who are trying to be the best mothers they can be.






























love the video - I so relate to her grabbing a few bites every now and then, but not ever sitting doen to eat!! xxxCate
ReplyDeleteHey Naomi,
ReplyDeleteToday's post is incredible - thank you so much for sharing.
After watching Catherine's video footage I won't ever grumble about getting three fairly autonomous kids ready for school ever again!
I've linked up today with a 'Daddy' tradition that Cpt. V does with the children each year.
Felicity x
'm exhausted watching that video and I didn't even move! Particularly love how Catherine managed just two bites of a meal in that whole time...!
ReplyDeleteOf course, I can relate so much (again) to what you've posted, Naomi. These sacrifices, while life changing and a great impact on my life, I would not retract for the world. I missed my opportunity to gripe and grumble, laugh and love and grow with our first daughter. Even in my hair-pulling frustrated moments with our second daughter, I never lose sight of this (even though I'm sure it often appears I am taking for granted the sublime gift we have been given).
I love that video of Catherine's and think the part where she is going back and forth between the boys is SO funny :) I can't imagine how busy she must be!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks also for your words today. As always they encourage, uplift and inspire as you share your mother heart with us. xo
I love this post... all the sweet memories and moments. It may be a sacrifice....but OH so worth it!
ReplyDeleteNice video, you sound like a great mom.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the beautiful thoughts. I love your blog and the new pics of the Santa cherubs!
ReplyDeleteNaomi,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post and hilarious video...she probably feels like she's going that speed most of the time! LOL
Yet another thoughtful and insightful post, Naomi. I actually really struggled to watch this - a little too close to the bone! My day as a SAHM is the sum of so many minutiae that often I'm on auto pilot, barely registering what I'm doing. Being *in the moment* is such a challenge! J x
ReplyDeletefabulous post Naomi. It is a sacrifice but one that doesn't bother me. Isn't it funny how we grow up so much when we have babies
ReplyDeleteWow - I love your blog and will be following along with your mother's heart theme whenever I can. I only have three little ones (which seems like nothing when I see your beautiful tribe) but understand and feel the sacrifice. Nice to meet you Naomi :O)
ReplyDeletethat video is hilarious! I never sit down to eat either. sometimes hubby will say to the kids can I just eat my dinner in peace and I think gosh I never do and at least you are sitting down to dinner!
ReplyDeleteit sure is tiring and that video sums it up!
corrie:)
so glad you have enjoyed the clip - I get exhausted watching it and it brings back lots of emotions - being a mum sure is crazy sometimes!
ReplyDeleteThe sacrifice is so much worth it, isn't it? Sorry, my computer is against videos today, will have to come back another time.
ReplyDelete