Sanctified in sickness

4 outta 4 kids are sick. It'll be a work of God Almighty if I don't get sick with all the coughing in my face, snotty snuggles, lack of sleep and pure exhaustion that comes from taking care of little sick ones, but I'm so grateful to be the one who gets to do it all. Really truly. After waking up for the millionth time to pop a binkie back in or rub Vick's Vapor Rub on little chests and feet or to bring water to someone (or all of them actually) or just praying for them when they're crying, I started to get a little grumpy and then it hit me heavy what a blessing it really is to be taking care of each of them. If I didn't have children, I would be begging God for them. It's not easy but it's my dream come true, so instead of grumbling in the wee hours of the night or morning, I need to stop and thank God for those moments and pray for strength  and peace and patience to do this whole motherhood thing well. I'm in the thick of the sanctifying process as a mom (and as a wife) and as I strive to be more like Christ, I see how much further I have to go. Motherhood is a gift... an emotionally charged, chaotic, squeeze your heart out, overwhelming gift, but a gift nonetheless.