I have this thing that I do when I am having a hard day with my girls and need to vent. I send a text describing what is going on and then I end it with “I love being a mum”.
It is semi-ironic, but it is also true. I do love being a mum, even when the girls have decided to mix water with their play dough and skid all over floor with the ensuing slippery mix. I do love being a mum, even when I am dealing with constant complaining all day. I do love being a mum, even when I have literally run out of any ideas for dinner.
But it doesn’t mean it’s not hard.
It doesn’t mean that I am not continually challenged by the situations the girls present me with, and it doesn’t mean that I am not constantly looking for new ways to tackle the difficult emotional conundrum of the day. I love being a mum but it doesn’t mean it’s easy.
And the more I think about it the more I see the truth of this in other areas.
I love being married but it doesn’t mean that every interaction with Mr is sweetness and light.
I love serving in my church, but it doesn’t mean that things in my area of ministry always go smoothly.
I love my writing, but yes, even this outlet has it’s ups and downs and dilemmas.
I wonder if sometimes we think because we love something, then all the pieces will fall into place and things will just go along swimmingly. I don’t know where I picked up that particular lie, but I am here to tell you, you can love something and it still be hard work.
And that is why I will continue to end my venting texts with “I love being a mum” because I do, but it doesn’t mean it’s easy.
Jodie