Motherhood can be easily divided into three phases.

The first phase is the easiest: conception, gestation, and birth. All it requires is a fertile woman and a willing sperm donor.

The second phase is the most difficult: the socialization, education, and spiritual formation of her children. This phase is often farmed out to other care providers: daycare, nannies, schools, youth pastors, gurus, Sunday Schools, etc. Mothers who place their children in other hands for this phase miss the joy and satisfaction of being the primary educator and character developer of their children.

The third phase is the most enduring: the mentoring of her adult children. If a mother has established a close teaching relationship with her children during their childhood and adolescence, her role as counselor/encourager and wise friend will last until death separates her from them.

Motherhood is awesome!