Sometimes motherhood feels like a simulation. Is this our day-to-day reality?

The unending piles of laundry.

Cleaning out the sink multiple times per day.

Vacuuming before 8:30 a.m. because crushed cereal now blankets the living room floor.

A car full of gummy wrappers and torn-up napkins the toddler insisted was “confetti.”

Heightened emotions.

Managing calendars for multiple people and forgetting birthdays because mama’s brain is filled to the brim.

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Another midnight cry for a baby feed or snuggle with the toddler because of a bad dream.

When “going out” means hair in a messy bun while grabbing a coffee in the drive-thru while jamming to a favorite song with kiddos in the backseat.

Sure, motherhood might not be the reality you always envisioned, but there are moments that take your breath away.

Being the one to soothe your crying child. Feeling their body completely relax the moment they lay against your chest.

Being a little human’s safe place.

Hearing your children say “I love you” or “you are my best friend.”

Seeing your children run to your first responder spouse after a long shift and wrapping their arms around their neck with no intention of letting go.

Seeing them accomplish something they put their mind to.

Seeing their heart desire to help other people or befriend someone who looks down.

Seeing them confident in who God created them to be.

Hearing them ask to pray at the dinner table.

Seeing them find beauty in the mundane moments—helping make a bed, coloring together, or getting to snuggle in mama’s bed first thing in the morning.

Motherhood is not a simulation.

It’s a mix of beauty and chaos. Joy and heartache. Trust and letting go.

But God created you for this.

To be their world right now.

To keep their world centered.

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To prepare them for what’s ahead.

To raise them to be world-changers.

To help them find the good wherever they go.

You were made for this, mama.

While it’s not always glamorous, it will be one of the greatest chapters of your life story.

Originally published on the author’s blog