As I saw the gardener there digging and sweating (and continuing regardless), I was struck by how much her work is like motherhood.
This thing called “motherhood” is not easy work.
It’s not quick. People assume we’re just going to “be there” doing our job, as if we we’ve always been there doing it-effortlessly and without sweat. The flowers will grow because we’re tending them. Our job is to tend them, so we keep on nurturing and feeding and pruning and caring for them every single day. We watch them closely throughout each season to see how we need to adjust to keep them growing well.
Those who don’t know from the wisdom of first-hand experience might assume we never feel like the flowers-that we’re not fragile; that when we’re struggling, we just pop right up again, at will. We’re mama, so we keep on going.
They guess it doesn’t take much work to keep these flowers in bloom; but sometimes, it’s far too hot or too cold and we’re just doing our best to help them make it another day.
And to make it one more day, ourselves.
Some days, that’s all we can do; it’s the balance for the sunny days where parenting comes easily. As for the other days, well, our work is far from martyrdom, and I’d never imply that it is. It’s simply our labor of love.
Today, I did something I’ve never done before because I never knew to do it.
I walked up to the gardener and thanked her for planting the flowers. The result of her painstaking effort was so beautiful that I’d always assumed nature itself were responsible for the outcome.
She nodded politely and just kept on doing her important work as if it’s all she’s ever done, because that’s what we all do with our love, isn’t it?
Sarah R. Moore is a published writer, positive parenting educator, wellness advocate, and world traveler. Her work spans the globe, reaching readers on six continents and appearing in publications such as The Natural Parent Magazine, Scary Mommy, and Macaroni Kid.
She has been certified by the Raffi Foundation for Child Honouring. She wholeheartedly recommends the course for parents, educators, and all others who influence the lives of children.
She also holds BA / MFS degrees in Journalism, French, and Media/Arts/Cultural Production. Read more about Sarah here.
You can follow Sarah at Dandelion Seeds Positive Parenting on Pinterest Facebook | Instagram | Twitter.
