“Do you like being a mom?”
My six year old comes up with the best questions.
I knew my answer, of course, but I wanted to ask Ryan a question first.
“Ummmm… well, do YOU THINK I like being a mom?”
“Yeah!” came his quick and confident reply.
I was honestly a little relieved. See, while I adore being a mom, I also have a temper and irritable moments and days, and sometimes I’m concerned that my boys don’t realize that there is nothing else I’d rather being doing with my life than spending each day with them.
“Good!” I replied. “Because I love being a mom! It’s what I always wanted to be when I grew up!”
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We all love our kids, don’t we?
We all strive to treasure our time with them as best as we can.
Not to mention, if we also treasure the word of God, we probably know Psalm 127 tells us:
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.
Still, just as I said in my piece on hospitality, there are some who just seem to be extra gifted in particular areas, and joyful motherhood is one of those areas. Today I want to tell you about one such joyful mama… a joyful mama who inspires me.
[Now, before we get started: As we discussed before, we all have areas where we excel and others where we have to strive a little harder… and that’s ok! The point of this series is not to discourage or compare, it’s to be encouraged by all kinds of different examples and strengths and gifts. God gave us all different strengths so that as one body, we can thrive. And it’s beautiful!]
But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. (1 Corinthians 12:18-20)
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My Friend, Clara
Let me tell you a little about her…
Well, I’ll tell you how I see her, anyway…
If Clara were a color… she’d be rainbow. If she had a spirit animal, it’d be a unicorn. The best way to describe Clara would be a Jesus loving, organic, hippie mama of seven, who makes the most delicious monster cookies, always has a cozy drink in hand, a harmless, sarcastic wisecrack on her tongue, and a baby on her hip. Her beautiful long brown hair is usually pulled away from her face with a bright colored head band, revealing a friendly smile and a jovial, easygoing manner that makes you feel like best friends from the moment you meet.
She’s kind, genuine, and has a beauty that shines from the inside out.
I could honestly go on for days… maybe weeks… about all the things I love about Clara…
But the thing I probably admire most… is the joy she takes in doing every moment of every day with her kiddos. I think it’s extraordinary.
I find it extraordinary because, while I would choose again and again, ANY DAY OF THE WEEK to spend each day with my little guys… I’m often convicted over my struggle to be a joyful mama in the process.
Now, am I saying Clara is perfect and never has a bad day?
No. We all have those. To have a bad day is to be human.
But there’s something about the Litteral home that speaks to the pride and joy taken in the little (and not so little anymore) humans they are raising.
Let me explain…
A Warm Atmosphere
You might think that a home that holds nine people total couldn’t feel anything but stressful and chaotic… and yet…
I want to share a snippet of her reply to me when I asked her once about what a day of homeschooling looks like in her house:
“…hot tea or other cozy drinks, kids nestled against mama on the couch as we read together or work through subjects, kids snuggled in a cozy corner with a book and a blanket, a big sister helping a little brother with something (often while sharing a special snack that she prepared), the 8-year-old experimenting in the kitchen with a new “recipe”, the toddler nursing, lots of singing and dancing (who says musicals aren’t realistic?), animal figures and cars and trucks spread across the living room floor, something glass breaking (our floor is concrete. Just being honest here.), snacks, chores, lots of discussions about current events and every other topic you can think of, and more hot tea or other cozy drinks.“
See, that just sounds so pleasant and inviting to me. And I’ve been in the Litteral home enough to know that this a reality, not wishful thinking.
Now, I’m not saying that everyone’s house or homeschool will or should look just like this. I’m simply offering an example of a situation that can be super high stress if we allow it, and yet… it doesn’t have to be. Clara often seems to find joy where some would be flipping out.
She laughs at the time to come. Proverbs 31:25
Oh… and the vibrant color and various brilliant patterns all throughout the Litteral home definitely add to the warmth. I told you that Clara is all rainbow and her unique boho decor style supports that claim.
A Kind Atmosphere
There have been countless moments when I’ve seen Clara react to a struggling or obstinate child in a firm but kind manner.
There’s no perfect parenting method out there, but I will say that when a child can see needful correction paired with genuine care and concern… well, that seems to reflect God’s discipline and care for his own children. It’s far too easy to fly off the handle or get irritated when we are frustrated or inconvenienced (so guilty here)… but I think it shows the ways of the Father and that His “kindness is meant to lead us to repentance” when love is evident in correction.
An Imperfect Atmosphere
It can be easy to want to make your house look like children don’t exist in it. Having company can often mean clearing all the toys away, sweeping the floors to perfection, wiping away every crumb and grabbing up all the blankets and stuffed animals. And yet… shouldn’t there be a beauty to a house that evidently has little humans running around inside?
When I visit Clara, the kitchen is usually not perfect because she always seems to be in the middle of making something yummy for her family and friends. Be it her famous monster cookies, or brownies, or coffee, or a pot of curry. She’s feeding a BIG family, plus a few extra when we’re there and a spotless kitchen would mean no warm and cozy treats. That would be sad.
Clara has seven kids, so there are usually a few toys scattered… as there ought to be. And because the Litterals are such cozy people, there are often blankets thrown here and there and everywhere.. that’s what makes their house feel so warm and inviting.
An Open Atmosphere
When you’re with Clara, your kids never feel like they’re in the way or interrupting anything. There is not a “kids space” where they spend all their time while we visit. Her kids from baby to teen are constantly in and out and Clara never seems too phased by any of it and she often includes the kids in our conversation or activity.
I personally get very overwhelmed with lots of noise (and um… I have three boys, so it’s interesting) and sometimes I send them to another room to regain my sanity and I think there’s a time and a place for it. But I love being with Clara simply to remind me that, while I might need a moment now and again, the presence of children shouldn’t be a burden as they are our greatest of blessings.
A Loving Atmosphere
The fact that Clara loves her children dearly is beyond evident… and not just because of what I’ve listed above, but because of how that love is returned to her. Clara loves big and thusly, she’s loved big in return.
I’m not sure I’ve ever met anyone who knows Clara who didn’t love her.
I’ve many times seen Clara’s family shower her with love in countless acts of kindness, returning some of the love and time she gives to them as well. It’s evident by their adoration of their wife and mom, that she creates a warm home and space that encourages those feelings.
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.” Proverbs 31:28-29
Her friends love her too.
When Clara’s name comes into a conversation, the conversation is brighter than it was the moment before. I know many women who count Clara as a friend and I fully believe we are all the better for it. Anytime I pass a vibrant, colorful piece of clothing or accessory or furniture, Clara pops into my mind. She is truly a ray of sunshine in my life and I’m so grateful. I believe it’s a beautiful encouragement to all her friends to see how Clara embraces the calling God has placed on her with such a genuinely joyful heart. The journey of motherhood isn’t always easy, but Clara reminds us that it’s a beautiful and happy privilege.
Culture Created
Generally speaking, culture takes time to create and the focus of this series is “older women” teaching younger women. Therefore, Clara is certainly the youngest woman on my list. But truly, we ought to be striving to make an impact as early in life as possible, shouldn’t we? There was simply no way I could speak of women creating culture without mentioning my sweet friend who has influenced me and many others, I’m sure, to find and emanate joy in raising little humans and teaching (and showing) them the love of Christ.
They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children… Titus 2:3-4
Clara, you make life brighter, you make the world a little more colorful, and the idea of motherhood sweeter. I am blessed to call you friend and I believe God is glorified by your joyful journey.
Thank you for creating culture and reminding us of the beauty that is motherhood.
My Family Freedom 