Somewhere in the years of raising children and selective insanity we remember who we are and why we were chosen for this noble profession.

Motherhood hasn’t come easy. If I had a dollar every time I threatened to resign from the “Crucible” of mothering I’d be wealthy. Motherhood is humbling, just when we think we’re all that and a bag of chips. Children teach us to giggle; to jump, skip, and attempt a cartwheel. Sometimes we get so busy training and instructing, keeping everyone on track, and remembering to pick this one up that we feel like an air-traffic controller. Pace yourselves. That’s when Lamaze breathing could be beneficial. Children help us remember simple joys in life. We find ourselves in our children.

How mothers love their children determines how they love others. If I had a quarter every time the thought to open a window and toss one out came to me as they threw a temper–tantrum in the checkout lane, I could take an expensive vacation. But if I had a nickel every time I kissed a cheek or sweet baby feet, wiped a tear, or every time a little smile carried me through the day; or my heart has pounded and I caught my breath over my love for them, then perhaps the whole world couldn’t hold the riches I’d have. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Thank you Lord for unexpected blessings. The smallest become the greatest treasures.

Angela Michael

Mom of 12

Highland