you have a gift
Each person has his or her own gift. Each of us has our own calling. It’s not always, though that we find out right away what that calling is…
I used to ask myself what my calling is. Whereas some people knew right away what they wanted to be or what they see themselves doing, I, for the longest time, was quite clueless. I knew I was smart enough and I could be hardworking enough so I could pretty much do whatever task or job I would set my mind on.
But then again, there are things that one does out of need… ie, because one needs a job and it’s the only job available… or because one feels the need to prove something to other people that they do things that others expect them to do.
And then there are the things we do out of passion. Things we do because our hearts call out for it. Things that make us feel more alive. Things that give us the feeling of importance… a sense of purpose.
Like I said, there are fortunate ones who know their gifts and get to use them in day jobs. To those who can’t quite figure out what they are called to do… or those who are still uneasy about showcasing their God-given talents, well, it can be a struggle.
~*~
Certified M.O.M.
I like love being a mom. I love being a hands-on mom. Despite everything I heard — the disbelief, the negative remarks, the dismay — when people found out that I chose being a full-time mom over being a career woman, I was never sorry about my choice. If there is one thing that I know I am firm about, it’s the decision that my son will always, ALWAYS come first.
Some people think it’s easy. People from the outside think that being “just” a mom is synonymous to not doing anything (wait ’til they see my daily ‘to-do list’). Well, it’s not that simple. Motherhood is not easy. Raising an individual and making sure that said individual will grow up to be a decent, loving, God-fearing human being is a challenge. Parenting does not come with a manual. Mothers make mistakes, too. We try to be good role models to our kids, but we do trip and fall sometimes. And we have to rectify our mistakes, and at times, swallow our pride, so we can teach our kids what is right.
Motherhood is not just about giving birth. It is about molding, shaping, loving the child that you brought into this world. It is about giving one’s time, attention, one’s heart… one’s self to the child.
There is nothing easy about that.
~ * ~
One thing I like about being a full time mom is that I am given the chance to extend myself to other children, as well. Sometimes it’s not just my son that I take care of. There’s my nephew — who practically grew up with me, and even my son’s friends when needed.
My friend and her husband had to go out of town for four days last week. And so for four nights and four days, they left their two boys, Super Slugger and Whiz Kid (aged 10 and 12) with us. They are my son’s baseball teammates and really good friends so you can imagine how happy the boys were when they found out they will be together for four whole days.
It wasn’t just a regular “go to school” schedule for the three boys, believe me. The boys had full schedules going into the weekend. Full meaning baseball tournament for Super Slugger, Math contest for Superson, Computer contest for Whiz Kid. Our mornings began at 5:30 am and our nights ended well, pretty late (tell me, how do you make three boys sleep early?!). My days consisted of shuttling them to and from school, or waiting for them to finish their practices, or watching Super Slugger’s games. I had to make sure they were well fed, hydrated, with homeworks done… I had to make sure they woke up early, their uniforms were complete, they had enough socks and underwear…
I had to make sure they were happy and not in anyway homesick. I was particularly more mindful of Super Slugger because he had a three-day tournament and I didn’t want him to feel alone so I watched every game that I possibly could.
It was a busy and tiring weekend. But my heart was quite full. I was happy because I was doing what I do best. I was being a mom… and I was extending it to other children. I was in my element.
You know what made the whole thing more special? It’s the realization that my friends trust me enough to leave their children under my care. Knowing that they can entrust their kids to either their relatives or other friends, but still they chose me to take care of their children, doesn’t that say something? Isn’t that a high form of compliment that not everyone gets freely?
~ * ~
We are all called to do something. Sometimes we have to dig deep to find out what we are called to do, what our purpose is. Oftentimes we make the mistake of comparing ourselves to others… we think that they are more special, or their gifts are more important, more valuable.
What do you do best? What does your heart tell you to do? What skills and talents do you have? Find your purpose. Find your passion. Find your calling. Stop comparing yourself to others (like what I’ve done half of my life) because you are who you are. Just be the best you that you can possibly be.
I am a mother… and I strive to be the best mother that I can be.
In the end, that’s all that matters.
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
photos via weheartit.com
Supergoddess Me 