Go to Your Heavenly "Not the Mama"

Oh, moms, who among us doesn't long to be cared for? We are the caregivers throughout all of history. Whether we like it or not, we are the ones everyone runs to for help, encouragement, sustenance. We're it.

Remember the primetime cartoon series, Dinosaurs? Whenever the youngest baby dinosaur referred to his father he called him, "Not the Mama." I howled at it then and I howl at that reference now, understanding the wisdom behind the writer's words. Had to be a woman writer - just had to be.

Have you been struggling with your mom role? Are your children young or a bit older? Or have they flown the coop entirely? As you know, mine are older but still live at home while attending college - all four of them!

I yearn for so much. One day I'll be in a "What If" mood about my life's choices, and the next I'll think I'm right where God wants me. Who knows? Certainly not I.

Throughout my years of inner-struggle I have come to rely on friends who are close to God, thereby plunking me closer to Him - I hope! When my boys were younger I really did not listen to God much at all except on Sunday morning during Mass. There was simply so much to do. You know. Every mom knows. So I did. I tried to do all that was required of me. I did way too much. I know that now.

What have I learned? What would I change? I would take the advice given in today's retreat to heart: I would ask God every day, many times a day, to "help me to listen for Your voice." We moms act like we must know it all and do it all. But we don't. That way of thought makes us crazy!

At this point of my life I trust that God does care for me, forgive me, and love me. I feel all three every day. And for that I am so very grateful. I wish you the intelligience to turn to God...right now.

~ Maureen :)
4/02/09 Celebrating Reconciliation