Life can really throw some curve balls. I mean, you grow up with your parents taking care of your every need. Then, you are shoved out into the real world to fend for yourself. Next thing you know, you're married, and have children of your own who depend on you for everything.
When you grow up, you have to give up too. There are things in life that we are better off without anyway. For example, selfishness. It is impossible to be selfish when you are a parent. Your child's or children's needs should be your first priority.
So what have you given up? I have learned that I can't buy whatever I want, whenever I want it now. If it's something chocolate, I have to share it! Hobbies take a back seat to motherhood. It's impossible to cross stich with 3 kids running around... someone might get poked with the needle! (Plus, it's hard to count x's when you are constantly being asked to do something.) I stopped watching soap operas on TV for my kids. Those shows don't set the best examples anyway with everyone sleeping with everyone else, etc. TV has gotten so bad, ours usually just stays on kid shows now.
What about time? Going to the bathroom has almost become a family activity. Dinner is a time we all sit down together, but who is the one that is always getting things for everyone else? You guessed it! Mom! I find the best time I have for myself is at night, when they are all asleep.
Out of all of these seemingly negative things... you know what? I wouldn't trade it for the world! God has blessed us with our 3 beautiful children, and even though some days, I'm ready to pull my hair out, I just pray and ask God to give me the strength for one more day. And somehow, He always does.
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