Unexpected Lessons

When I saw Chocolate on My Cranium's topic for this week's Wordfull Wednesday, something I learned from motherhood that I didn't expect, I drew a blank.  I still didn't have anything come to mind until I saw The One Minute Writer's prompt, write about something you put a lot of time into practicing. 


The word "expect" from the Wordfull Wednesday topic threw me for a bit.  I expect motherhood to be challenging, I was having trouble pinpointing a specific lesson.  My first thought to The One Minute Writer's prompt, was motherhood.  I've put a lot of time into practicing being a good mother.  Through that practice, I've learned patience, dedication and finding joy in the journey.  I've learned no one can do my job as a mother to my children the way I do it.  

I'd have to say the most profound lesson I've learned from motherhood is to trust my instincts.  So many of the mistakes I've made as a mother (and as a person) have been when I believed someone else's opinions were as valid as my maternal instincts. 


My oldest child called me last week with some concerns about her pregnancy because the doctor said this and this person said that.  My advice was to sit down and relax for a half hour and listen to what she felt.  The greatest gift I could give her is the confidence to listen to her instincts.  When my children were little, I heard dozens of stories where mom knew something was wrong with her child before the doctors could get the tests to prove it.


We have an incredible responsibility in raising children, and Heavenly Father has given us a powerful tool to help us do the job as He would have it done.