Someone who would pour out and bend down and surrender not only to the physical pain of childbirth but the far deeper, unending heart pain of letting go, letting go, letting go – from the womb, from the arms, from the front door. Ann Voscamp's mother's day tribute, May 9, 2014)
Ann Voscamp's words hit home, maybe because I read them as our kids were packing up to leave for Indonesia but, to be sure, the thing that has surprised me the very most about motherhood has been the aspect of the continual letting go and finding the blessing even in, and because of, it.
We let go, so they can take their first step, ride a two wheeler, swim across the pool, learn to read, find friends and make decisions. We let go of sleep, personal freedom and preferences, every stage with its new challenges as innocent babes turn into little people with their own minds and ambitions. Then, one day they pack the car and a piece of our heart leaves with them.
Is it reasonable to think that this intense love born out of our own flesh and will, is what yearns for this challenge, a teeter totter of love and letting go that far outweighs any expectations we could have ever had? It's a mystery, this love that was born when that tiny, helpless baby was first cradled against my body and I knew my life would never be the same. If the essence of giving life is about letting go, it has become part of my very breath and being and a daily renewal of life in me.
To be loved in return for letting go is when I realize how rich I am.
10 comments:
Anneliese...my heart beats with your words....so beautifully and perfectly expressed. The return of that love is so very special isn't it. I've watched you as a mom since you help your 3 near you...and your love and best for them has always been evident. You have a beautiful family....may your Mother's Day heart be filled to overflowing with thanks.
Beautifully expressed, Anneliese. Love given and love received.
This is such a week-written post Anneliese. From the heart and from the head - so good to read something that captures my heart ( really speaks to my mothering experience) and makes me think about it. We each have a story, but it's very good to reflect on our common experience. Wishing you a lovely Mothers' Day.
Beautiful Anneliese!
This is truly the joy and the pain of motherhood, said in your simple, yet heartfelt way. Thank you! So well written!
Happy Mother's Day to you!
Great post, Aneeliese. It can be difficult to let go. I used to tell myself that I was raising my kids to leave home. It was my way of reminding myself that the goal was to raise independent adults and to acknowledge that God had a plan for each of them that I could not imagine. Of course the trade off is when they decide or are called to go far away. The day that happened, I told myself I had been successful, but it still was hard. And of course you're right, the ultimate gift of letting go is love. Happy Mother's Day!
This is so beautiful Anneliese! Very close to my heart as well. Have a wonderful Mother's Day dear friend!
Such a beautiful and thoughtful Mother's Day post. Thanks Anneliese. Happy Mother's Day!
great words that ring so true to so many,,, thanks for sharing!
You've expressed the essence of mothering so well Anneliese.
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