Sanctuary Status

Parenthood is a job for life.  Which I am glad for, because I don't think I'll ever stop needing my mom.  Yet again, she proves her pinpoint accuracy and perfect timing in my moment of need...

I had been telling her how frustrating it was that the kids seem to switch on the challenging behaviors as soon as I show up but are perfect angels for everyone else.  Which on the one hand I am glad for, because it means they are putting on their best for the rest of the world.  And that they are growing in independence as they test out which buttons to push and when, with me anyway.  But pack up my mom hat, and on the personal level it just stinks.  Here I am, the one who does the most for them... slugs through the dirtiest jobs...  and keeps on keeping on while the rest of their fan club goes about their regular days.  Where is the justice?!??  I know.  Pi-ty-par-ty.  What I deserved was to be reminded about what "fair" really means.  To be told that this is the motherhood gig.  Period.  Or to have a jar of marshmallow fluff handed to me silently, with two spoons.  But what I got was much more gracious.

She listened.  As she always does.  And in seven words met my need.

"You will always be their favorite sanctuary."  

I know...  WOW.  My mom should be earning loads of money as a life coach for mothers, right?  Because not only was that little sentence a show stopper for my pity party, it got me to thinking.

Sanctuary status isn't granted to you with the first ultrasound.  You don't take a test on the way out of the hospital to receive it.  You earn it.  With every thankless job completed, hurt you kiss and heart you soothe.  With every meal you prepare and every comfort you provide.  For all the toil and worry, exhaustion and stress, I have something infinitely precious.  Something we created together, minute by minute and day by day.  Until I looked up and realized that I have become my children's safest place to fall on the planet.  Their favorite haven and most peaceful resting place.  An earthly example of a heaven's grace and abundance.

That.  Is.  Humbling.  Inspiring.  And just exactly what I want to remember when I feel under-appreciated, tired and worn.  Sanctuary status isn't easily attained.  It is carefully crafted and meticulously maintained.  Protected with a love that is as fierce as it is tender.  And decorated with the memories of a shared journey.   It is something far better than good behavior.  It is one of the greatest honors of my life.