The Talent Show

the cousins are visiting.

Last night the girls decided a talent show was to be had. They would be the judges. Everyone had to participate. I did not want to. Stages aren’t my thing. I was wholly unprepared. I told a joke which did not land. No surprise – I did not place.

Afterward my 11 – almost 12 year old – came to me and said I sucked. We both laughed because, well, truth. However, he then went on to say that I should’ve gone up there and have been a mom, because that is my talent…

(Disclaimer: this is not about me – my son has a beautiful, kind heart. I make lots of mistakes, mess up, lose my cool, have PMS, is emotionally unavailable, too screen-distracted or just too tired at times. My son is also almost a fully fledged teenager. Statements like this will be rare in the future and therefore, for now, I will take it and bury it deep in my heart.)

Nonetheless, his words got me thinking: how often do we undermine and undervalue our contributions? Maybe because it is not seen or applauded by the masses. Maybe because no trophies or titles are handed out. Or maybe because we have good days and bad days and mess-up days in-between.

However, a young child’s words underscored that we should never underestimate our impact. Just because it is not seen or celebrated or “perfect”, does not mean it doesn’t have eternal value.

So here’s to you – and all your unseen acts of love. May you recognise the significance, importance, validity, and sacredness of showing up every day. May you honour yourself for learning. For loving. For growing. For repairing. For trying. And trying again. May you never refer to yourself as “just a mom” again, but may you proclaim, “I am a mom” with the reverence and significance it deserves.

P.S. The joke:

“Why did Adele cross the street?
To say hello from the other side…”