Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with the Hillcrest MOPS group.  It was a fun morning, as I relived memories of getting loaded up with diaper bag in tow!  Here are the top two answers from a survey of the moms:

What is Your Greatest Need as a Mom?

--patience!

--to connect with other moms!

Kids do try our patience, don’t they?  Just when I think I’m on even ground again with mine, someone pulls the rug out from under me!  So, here I am on my duff again, asking the Lord for insight. 

Did your hospital send home an owner’s manual with your babies?  Mine must have replaced my copy.  I certainly thought parenting would come naturally; I mean really…haven’t parents been doing this gig since the beginning of time?

Kudos to all of you moms who are connecting with each other!  Whether it is through a MOPS group, or some other outlet for moms, that process of getting together will continue to equip you for the adventure of mothering.  On the bad days, sharing your story will help to find the humor in it.  On the good days, you can celebrate together!  I remember the times I declared my woes over the phone to my parents.  Their perspective put my world back on axis and helped me to persevere!

We do need each other.  As much as I always tried to be self-sufficient in raising my kids, I found out that it was much more enjoyable when in the company of friends and family.  Not only for me, but my young ones fared better too.  That camaraderie combats isolation.  It puts creativity in the discipline of life, and adds joy to parenting.  So keep reaching out to others!

Sally