Why 5,001 Reasons?

Because we all need another pat on the back, another pick me up, another reminder of why we do what we do... Because there are too many snide comments, "I don't cares" and Nay Sayers out there.

I've been a mom for nearly 5 years and what a crazy new world it is every day! Has it been easy every day? No, not so much. Have I loved every minute of it? Yeah, I think I have. Does that sound contrived? When I think back on all the "hard stuff", I may not have enjoyed every second, but I love that I was there. There is something to love about the challenges and the difficulties. It's hard to see when you're in the moment, but talk to someone who is 20 years, 40 years, 50 years removed for some real perspective.
Also, I'll admit I'm spoiled. We all have adorable kids that make it all worth it, but I also have a very supportive and encouraging husband, family, friends and a God who I can talk to anytime and who wrote out a whole book for me to follow. These are very positive and encouraging relationships for me.

I realize that not everyone has this kind of support. Not everyone has grandmothers or grandmother figures in their lives to give them perspective on the challenges of today and how those challenges bring about the fruits of tomorrow. Not everyone has that ray of sunshine in their lives that will point out the good points or the humorous points of a rough day (at the right time). Not only do many parents not get this kind of support and encouragement, they sometimes don't get any! But what's worse is that we all get a big load of discouragement from the world we live in. Did you know that there are people who push the idea that mothers don't matter, dads are useless and parenting in general doesn't really affect how a kid grows up. Of course, that is ridiculous and there are countless studies that disprove that line of thinking entirely, but still, it is damaging if you hear, even a watered down version of it. 

So, I want to combat some of that discouragement by reminding myself and others of the little things we do as families that are vitally important to our sons and daughters; their lives now and their futures. 
Who knows how long it will take me to get to 5,001 reasons I love being mom. I know I'll never get there if I don't stay positive and focused on the little-big responsibilities that God has given me. He chose me to be the mom for a reason.