When I say, “I would do anything for my kids,” I envision the ultimate sacrifice. I picture an attacker approaching one of my children with a crazed look in his eye. Resolved to defend them, I fearlessly step in between their life and a loaded gun. I save them. I’ll admit—it’s a little dramatic.
The real problem is, I often think in terms of physical risk to my children’s safety, and forget it’s their emotional and spiritual wholeness that is often in the line of fire. I miss the opportunity to thwart a coming attack because it’s not as readily visible as say, staring down the barrel of a gun. More often, “do anything to protect my children” requires simple, everyday sacrifices on my part.
Am I willing to model love and honor for their father—even when I don’t feel like it? Will I model forgiveness to an “undeserving” family member? Will I work less? Spend less? Say “No.” to them even when saying “Yes.” is easier? Will I turn off my computer and get off my cell phone? Will I be joyful in the midst of struggle?
Those are the kinds of sacrifices that make up the everyday life of a mom. Those are the sacrifices that protect my children’s hearts, minds and souls. Those sacrifices rarely require a quick intervention or a cape-wielding hero. Parenting and motherhood is far less glamorous (as if you didn’t know). But, hey, if wearing a cape would help me get the job done, tie it on!
