The media sometimes ends it news with one of those super hero stories to make us feel better after hearing all the garbage that fills our world.  We’re hopeful that someone will come and make things better.  We need someone to look up to – to trust and believe in as role models for our own lives.  We certainly can’t expect a guy with a red cape and an “S” on his shirt to bound in and save the day.  Even a rich man in a fancy black car with a bat painted on its hood can’t do everything required to save the world from itself.

When we talk about superheroes, we think of those who put others before themselves – who take chances they normally wouldn’t – who have a servant nature.  If you believe everything you read, you may think such people no longer exist.  Those who lead us – those who teach us – those whom we think we can trust – even our closest friends – put faith to the test at one point or another.

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, let’s take a look at some super hero traits of a mother.  Some women go through a pregnancy and the child is miscarried or dies at birth. Some will bear children with special needs.  Many women try desperately to conceive, but can’t.  There are those whose husbands are serving their country in far off places and have to view the birth of their child on the internet.  Some have no husband at all.

The cost of becoming a mother is tremendous.  This new life is depending on her.  It will take mountains of responsibility, energy, love and dedication.  Your home looks like a tornado went through it.  You get weary of trying to settle another dispute between siblings.  You don’t have the energy or time to get out of your sweats and put on some makeup. You may feel unappreciated, guilty, tired, misunderstood, frustrated or unable to do it all.

Mounds of laundry pile up. The meals you spent hours preparing are uneaten.  The drives to school, karate lessons, sporting events, music and theatre activities are endless.  Until they have their own driver’s licenses, you hold the keys.  There are dust bunnies growing under your bed.  Your garden needs weeding.  Your own needs are set on the back burner.  Your ironing board is covered with boxes – in fact you don’t even know where your iron is?  Kids bring all kinds of surprises home for you – a mudpie with dandelion sprinkles, a bucket full of toads, a snake, and all their friends.

Motherhood is not for sissies.  You will be required to climb tall buildings in a single bound.  You will be expected to accomplish great deeds, but you already have, just by giving birth.  God is our true Super Hero, because He always puts us first.  When motherhood becomes burdensome, turn to Him for the strength you need to get through it.

“When your mother asks, ‘Do you want a piece of advice?’ It isn’t a mere formality. It doesn’t really matter if you answer yes or no. You’re going to get it anyway.” Erma Bombeck