not 'just a mom'

Whenever I get a little cheesy about being a mom on my blog, Jake teases me and refers to it as a "mom blog" post. His criteria for a "mom blog" would be:

1. They post all about the crafts they are currently doing.
2. They post about how wonderful and perfect their children are.
3. They post a lot of professional looking pictures of their family.
4. They spend all of their time creating a "perfect blog" so they look like the perfect family, but don't spend much time with their family because they are so busy with steps 1-4. 

Seriously?! Who is this guy? (I love you, hon!) Besides being very stereotypical and a little absurd, I completely understand what he is saying. I didn't realize how aware he was of the "blog world." I hope I do not come across as Jake's definition of a "mom blog," but this post might come off as a "mom blog" post. But I promise, it is a good message. It is a quote from Oprah, so it has to be good, right?!

I imagine we have all been asked the question, "What do you do?" Meaning--what do you do to contribute to society? And until about a year ago, I never had a problem answering. "I am going to school and working," or, "I am student teaching," and then, "I teach 8th grade English."

Except for, now a days, I am a stay-at-home mom. So now when people ask me that question, I usually respond, "I'm 'just a mom.'" Ever heard that response from someone before? I'm sure you have. And what is worse is that I usually respond with a somewhat awkward smile as I try to think of something else to say that will make me sound more qualified, interesting, or important. 'Just a mom' doesn't seem to justify what I do each day.

First of all, do NOT get me wrong, I absolutely love being a mom. I know it is the most important thing I could be doing with my life right now. However, when asked "what I do," being 'just a mom' doesn't sound as exciting as "I teach 8th grade English!" (Which hey, that might not sound exciting to you, but it sure was for me!) Why am I telling you this? Let me get to the point.

The other day I started reading I Am a Mother by Jane Clayson Johnson. Jane was an extremely successful news reporter before giving it all up to become a mother. She talks about how a mother usually doesn't give herself enough credit for the role she plays. Most of the world describes success by what is accomplished, or achieved. Being 'just a mom' doesn't sound very accomplished according to the world's idea of success. Because, really, how hard is it to make mac'n'cheese and wipe a runny nose all day? (Harder than you would think...)  However, she believes that "...a righteous mother is the embodiment of success." I like her definition of success better.

She then shares a quote from Oprah, who said: "I believe the choice to become a mother is the choice to become one of the greatest spiritual teachers there is. To create an environment that's stimulating and nurturing, to pass on a sense of responsibility to another human being, to raise a child who understands that he or she is created from good and is capable of anything--I know for sure that few callings are more honorable. To play down mothering as small is to crack the very foundation on which greatness stands.

"The world can only value mothering to the extent that women everywhere stand and declare that it must be so. In our hands we hold the power to transform the perception of motherhood.... We should no longer allow a mother to be defined as 'just a mom.' It is on her back that great nations are built."

Wow. LOVE that quote! Every mother is in a different situation. Life is perfect for none of us. And for all who desire to become a mother but have not yet been granted this desire, please know that you are in my prayers, really. I know there isn't much to say to bring comfort.

In closing, for all of those times I have been asked 'what I do' and I lamely responded, "I am 'just a mom,'" let me have a repeat: With a thankful heart I declare that "I am a Mom!" Despite what others may think, I know that what I do each day matters! And though my life as a mother is at times mundane and/or routine, that is okay. I know what I have given up to be a mother, but I know who I have given it up for.

This little guy. And he is pretty worth it.