This year our MOPS theme is Adventures in Mothering. That statement could not be more true! I have to say that this year has been one of the most challenging of the last five. But I’ve learned I’m not in it alone. I have my husband in the seat next to me, my friends and family are always there to support me, and I have my wonderful MOPS ladies. I have met so many great women this year. Great women who are on the same adventure as me. Being a group leader this year, I’ve been able to meet and touch the lives and have my life touched by so many different and unique moms. Melody – whose son was diagnosed at the age of 6 with Cystic Fibrosis. I can’t even begin to imagine how that news rocks your world as a mother. Suzanne – who I actually met in bible study but she also attends our MOPS group. We just instantly hit it off and have so much in common. She and I have become very close (our sons are in the same nursery) and I just found out she is pregnant for the second time. Melissa – this is her first year in MOPS and she’s JUST like I was when I started…I could not absorb enough of the atmosphere and fellowship on Friday mornings. And she’s so eager to participate in discussions and is just a sweet, sweet soul. I see a lot of myself in her and I think is why I feel such a connection. Then there’s Laura, who is the discussion group leader coordinator this year. I can’t say enough wonderful things about this fantastic fellow mom. She has been my sounding board when I needed her. Her sense of humor is infectious. And she is such a good friend. I feel like I’ve known her my whole life. I’ve said it before – maybe not here but I’ve said it – I was meant to find THIS MOPS group. Not just any MOPS group, but THIS ONE. God knew what he was doing when He led me to this church. And for that small thing I am BIG TIME thankful.

My experience as a leader this year has gone better than I ever expected. There are times when laughter is abundant and my face hurts from smiling so much. But there are also times when my heart hurts because one of my fellow moms is experiencing pain. Melody, the woman whose son has CF came to me and told me about her 6 year old son James being diagnosed. She told me about all the tests they had to run due to a misdiagnosis just after he was born. She told me about the special vest they would have to buy for him that he’d have to use 3 times a day to help clear his lungs along with antibiotics and  breathing treatments. She told me about all the medicine that he would have to be on for the rest of his life. She told me about all the life changes that she and her family would have to make. At the meeting that Friday, Melody stood in front of us all and explained what the doctors told her about James diagnosis. Leadership gathered around Melody and led the group in prayer for her and her family. Later in our small groups, we took up a monetary collection to give to Melody and her family of just whatever we felt lead to give. I don’t know the total dollar amount that was collected that day, but I can tell you how MOVED I was at the generosity of this group. Every single woman reached down into their hearts to help Melody and her family – no questions asked. I knew this group of women were amazing, but for me, this experience just kicked it up a notch. THESE LADIES ROCK!!

I LOVE being on leadership and love the women who are on our steering team. They are such a special group and I am blessed to know them. I hope that I am making a difference in these women’s lives. But if I’m not, they are making a difference in mine. I am a better mom because of them and because of what they’ve taught ME. Sharing their mothering experiences with me and knowing the roller coasters they ride on in this adventure has been priceless. I pray at the end of every small group for the women to feel more secure in their roles as moms and that God uses each of them for His glory.

Comment on this
Bonnie's Blog
mops