Last week one of my nieces joined us for dinner. Somehow we got on the topic of the future. She was telling me how she wanted to live in the mountains when she grew up. And then I asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up. In her most matter of fact seven year old voice she told me she wanted to be like her mom. That she would take care of her family. My heart swooned for a moment over the sweet words she shared.
Our daughters are growing up in a generation that has a loud singing chorus of “girls can do anything.” It’s quite amazing for our girls to be growing up in a time when their dreams can be limitless. A time where the possibilities truly are endless. Yet, there is something that always tugs at my heart. Something I also want our girls to know.
I want our girls to know it’s okay to dream of being a mother. To dream of having a family to take care of. I want them all to know that dream is enough. It doesn’t require more.
Not everyone will have this dream. Some will have dreams of careers and some will have dreams of playing professional sports. Some will dream of going overseas and serving. Some will be mamas and do other amazing things at the same time.
But should our girls find themselves at home, as mothers, serving their families, I never want them to question their identity. God has a purpose and plan for each one of us. I never want them to feel like they are “just a mother.” I hope they will know the value of their role. The importance and gift they have been given.
For years, I had dreams of what I would be one day, how my life would look. I formed so many ideas based on what I thought sounded good or would look good. Nothing has ever come close to the path, the journey God has led me on as a wife and mother. I am grateful for all the unrealized dreams that led me right here. And I can’t wait to see where God leads each of them.