Second Best

I’ve had a perfectionist streak since my toddler days.

My mom suffered a great deal coping with a child that couldn’t cope with coloring outside of the lines! If I set out to do something, I’m rather intent on being the best at it.

While marriage and parenting were not on my original list of goals, I met my husband, and my plans for my future changed…drastically! In all honesty, he’s such an amazing man, I would be doing the world a great disservice if I didn’t ensure that he lives on through generations via our children!

It’s unfortunate, but my perfectionism seeks validation, and I made the mistake of seeking it from my eldest child who is now about to graduate high school, but at the time was 4 years old and in Pre-kindergarten.

After giving him his favorite snack, I asked him, “Who’s the best mom?”

He paused thoughtfully and then replied, “Mrs. Lashbrook.” who is a dear friend and truth be told, a fabulous mom from whom I have learned a great deal over these many years of parenting. That was not, however, the answer I expected or wanted on that afternoon!

Fast-forward ten years.

I sat on the couch cuddling my youngest of five, having learned that these small moments won’t last forever and attempting to soak up the sweetness. That sweet little girl squeezed me, place her cheek against mine, and said, “I love cuddling my second favorite mommy!” My first thought was, “Really?!? Second again???”

And then I asked her, “I’m your second favorite?”

“Yes!” she replied. “You’re my favorite mommy on earth, but my very favorite mommy is Mary!” I couldn’t help but reply, “You know? Mary is my very favorite mommy, too!” (I don’t really stand a chance in a motherhood competition with the Blessed Mother anyway!)

Now, I really do want to be the best mom I can be for my children, or anyone who needs a mother figure in their life, but I am eternally grateful that God has placed amazing women in my life as beautiful examples of motherhood to me and my family. And we are all blessed beyond measure that Christ, when on the cross, gave us his mother as our mother.

We could not be in better hands.